Ashton Heath Restoration Project

 Ashton Heath Restoration Project

www.ashtonheath.org.uk

18/03/08. General meeting.
  • It was noted that Irene Benzeval had not wished to continue as Treasurer following the AGM, and David McKendrick was acting as Treasurer until the next AGM.
  • Maureen Smith gave a report on her attendance at Ashton and Bryn Township Forum.
  • D McKendrick informed the meeting of continuing difficulties with NatWest bank in relation to the change of signatories. Officers had now opened an account with Alliance and Leicester and he would arrange the transfer of funds there.
  • It was noted that the information panel to be sited by the Eagle & Child was waiting to be installed by BTCV.
  • Members then discussed the bid for funds from the Township Forum. It was agreed that the following be sought:
    • A vandal-proof bench for installation on the main path;
    • Cutting back trees and shrubbery on the hillock at the south end of the heath and levelling off the pathway;
    • Installation of bark chippings on the pathway through north wood;
    • Tools, bird boxes and plants;
    • If additional funding was available, another litter bin at the south end of the heath.
  • It was noted that anti-social behaviour by adolescents had been causing problems, with drinking and damage in the woodland, and unlicensed motor cycles. The importance of reporting each incident to the police was agreed.
  • It was agreed that a task morning be arranged on 11th April in order to sow woodland wildflower and grasses seed.
29/01/08. Officers' meeting to discuss progress.
17/09/07. Annual General Meeting.
  • Maureen Smith was elected as Chair and asked to continue as representative on Ashton and Bryn Township Forum. She reported on her work over the year. Hazel Silvester was re-elected as vice-chair, and Margaret Forsyth as secretary. Irene Benzeval would be asked if she wished to continue to serve as Treasurer.
  • Discussion took place on anti-social behaviour on the heath, and the Chair agreed to raise this with the police.
  • It was agreed to investigate the renewal of public liability insurance.
  • A proposal to site a bench on the heath was again discussed.
  • Members expressed appreciation to Maureen Smith for her efforts on behalf of the group, and to Margaret Forsyth and Hazel Silvester for their regular litter-picking.
21/12/06. Wigan MBC Environmental Planning Department contacted re plans to erect an information panel on the heath.
20/12/06. Councillor Nigel Ash met Simon Calderbank from Wigan MBC to discuss the mowing programme for 2007. Six cuts are scheduled during the year, and the area south of Blenheim Road adjacent to the houses will be included.
05/12/06. General meeting.
  • The re-affiliation to BTCV was pending. A grant from Douglas Valley was allowing renewal of the public liability insurance.
  • Members reviewed the task day at which 400 hedgerow trees and shrubs were planted along the western boundary.
  • The Secretary was asked to write to Simon Calderbank to ask if his proposal to obtain an information panel on the heath would be followed up.
  • It was noted that Bonfire Night had not incurred the disturbance normally associated with the event, due perhaps to the Council's use of CCTV to inhibit fly-tipping.
  • The Township Manager was reported to be arranging the installation of the three litter bins funded by the Township Forum.
  • The Secretary reported that many people were complimenting the group on the work on the heath.
  • The Chair said he was still awaiting confirmation of the Council's schedule for mowing the heath.
  • On discussion it was agreed that the group would seek to obtain a bench on the heath near the main path. M. Smith would be asked to explore possible sources of funding.
  • It was agreed that the group should continue to meet a minimum of four times a year.
24/11/06. Presentation of O2 "It's Your Community" award. Scott Spence, Manager of O2's Wigan store, presented the group with a cheque for £210 to fund the planting of the conservation hedge at the western edge of the heath.

Presentation of the O2 award
18/09/06. General meeting.
  • Members agreed to continue the affiliation to BTCV. It was noted that the public liability insurance was due for renewal, and the Chair would seek grant funding to assist.
  • M. Smith reported on her attendance at the Township Forum and asked for a decision regarding the plan to provide litter bins on the heath. Three sites were agreed - at the paths adjacent to Windsor Road, Blenheim Road and Lincoln Drive. D McKendrick agreed to assist M. Smith in finalising the plan for submission to the Township Forum.
  • He went on to give a report on the conservation work on the heath. Although the litter picking was proceeding, and continued to be effective, the maintenance of the heath was falling behind due to the amount of work necessary. Further task days were needed to prevent deterioration of the heath, and these should be organised once the insurance question had been resolved.
  • Members were still keen to see a bench provided on the heath.
  • Discussion took place on the usual problems presented by Bonfire Night, and it was hoped that the council would police fly-tipping better this year.
  • Finally, it was noted that some residents were fly-tipping on footpath 29 and people were asked to report incidents on the council hotline.
05/06/06. Annual General Meeting.
  • David Forsyth was elected as Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer were re-elected. M Smith was re-appointed as representative on Ashton and Bryn Township Forum.
  • M Smith reported on matters from the Forum. Principal among these was the matter of obtaining dog waste bins. A letter had been submitted, and further information in support of the bid would be obtained.
  • The Chair reported that the BBC had made contact through the website, seeking to involve AHRA in a future programme featuring community environmental activities.
  • Discussion took place on having a bench on the heath, and it was agreed that the Secretary would first seek permission via Simon Calderbank. M Smith had identified a possible source of funding which would be followed up once permission had been obtained.
  • D McKendrick gave a resume of environmental activities which had taken place over the year, and it was agreed that he contact Kath Godfrey and arrange a further task morning.
24/11/05. Meeting with dog warden service to discuss problem of dog-fouling on the heath.
21/11/05. General meeting. On the resignations of Russell Smith and Sue McKendrick new officers were appointed. David Forsyth was elected Chair, and Margaret Forsyth as Secretary. Hazel Silvester was appointed Vice-Chair. Discussion took place on events surrounding Bonfire Night, including the prosecution of fly-tippers depositing material on the heath. It was noted that a task day would take place on Sunday next, to assist BTCV in heather seeding of an area of the heath. Good wishes were offered to Russell Smith and his wife Josie on their impending move to Manchester, and thanks to Sue McKendrick for her efficient conduct as Secretary. Special thanks were offered to Russell for his work in establishing the association.
10/10/05. General meeting. Items discussed included correspondence, progress on conservation work, report from the Ashton and Bryn Township Forum representative, bonfire night, and the future of the association.
28/09/05. Meeting between Kath Godfrey and Simon Calderbank at the heath with D McKendrick in attendance. Following the planned reseeding of the area near Blenheim Road with heather later this year the Council propose to change the mowing regime. The top of the heath from Windsor Rd down to the second path that crosses the heath will remain on six cuts per year. From there down to Bleinheim Road will now be left in order that the heather can be planted. From Bleinheim Road to the path that crosses the heath at the end of Ashton Heath (road) will be cut in the near future to encourage heather growth. The verge adjacent to Ashton Heath (road) will be cut the same frequency but increased from the current 2.5m to 4m. A metre strip or so will be cut alongside all the recently resurfaced paths to reduce weed growth.
   If monies are available next year the MBC will look at installing an information board describing the heath and explaining its importance as a priority habitat.
11/05/05. At the first AGM of the Ashton Heath Residents' Association the Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer were re-elected unopposed. Sue McKendrick was appointed to the vacant position of Secretary and Maureen Smith confirmed as the group's representative on Ashton Township Forum. A proposal to change the name of the organisation to 'Ashton Heath Community Association' was withdrawn after discussion.
08/01/05. Members of AHRA met Kath Godfrey to review progress and outline the direction of work:
  • A programme of task days would be prepared for the last weekend of each month in conjunction with BTCV
  • Kath would continue her bid for funding, which would include hedge planting at the line of the new boundary fencing and post and rail fencing at the heath boundary
  • Further consideration would have to be given to the proposal to relocate heathland material from Platt Bridge to the heath sometime in the future
  • Kath would produce a work schedule to specify the tasks to be carried out under the management plan.
09/12/04. AHRA meeting in the Eagle & Child. Matters discussed included the following:
  • Suspension of conservation work: Cllr Walter Carney had taken up complaints from individuals opposed to the work on the heath, and as a result all work had stopped. A meeting was due to take place today between councillors and council officers, and the Chair had hoped to have a report to enable work to resume. Strong feelings were expressed regarding the ability of one or two people contributing nothing to the heath to be able to halt the work of volunteers. It was hoped that this could be resolved as quickly as possible and work could resume.
  • As a result of a suggestion from Cllr Carney discussion took place on the feasibility of providing some form of barrier around the heath to restrict vehicle access. It was agreed that the views of local residents and townspeople would need to be sought, but in essence this was an appealing idea.
  • Competition. The Chair said that the group had entered a competition arranged by the CleanerSaferGreener campaign on the basis of the work which had been carried out.
  • Kath Godfrey continued to pursue her funding bid but as the application form had changed, this had had to be redone.
  • Hyder Consulting. The Chair was in touch with Stewart Lowther regarding relocation of material from heathland in Platt Bridge to Ashton Heath. It was agreed that care would need to be taken with this to ensure material was compatible with the existing heathland.
  • Chestnut Fund. No acknowledgement to our grant application had been received and the Chair would follow this up.
  • Footpath 29. Further discussion was due with the footpaths officer on the siting of a 'kissing gate' to restrict motorbike access. It was suggested that it could be sited adjacent to Ashton Heath if the council provided the materials and BTCV provided the volunteer labour.
  • Township Forum. Maureen Smith agreed to represent the group at the next meeting.
02/11/04. D McKendrick met Simon Calderbank from Wigan MBC at the heath to view progress after the first mowing of the heath.
23/10/04. Members of AHRA met for a social evening to view the photographs of the task day and ongoing progress with restoring the heath. It was agreed that another task day would be held on November 14th.
30.09.04. Members of AHRA met in the Eagle & Child. Matters discussed included the following:
  • AHRA had now affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, and public liability insurance had been secured, funded by Wigan Street Scene
  • Simon Calderbank of Wigan MBC has arranged for six cuts of heavily weeded areas (areas 2 & 3) to take place each year. It was explained that the first cut is currently on hold until a few dry days occur at which point the contractors will carry it out
  • Funding for long-term restoration of the heathland is being pursued. Kath Godfrey of BTCV is applying for funds from an environmental charity
  • As a result of the planned A5225 at Platt Bridge there is a possibility of extra soil and plant material being made available to Ashton Heath. It was agreed that any depositing of soil and plants must be in keeping with the long term maintenance of the heathland and that Roz Park should be kept involved.
  • The Treasurer is applying for a £100 grant via the Chestnut Fund to help with administrative costs. The bank account remains open.
  • Report from Ashton & Bryn Township Forum:
    • Progress continued on seeking a skatepark in Jubilee Park east of Wigan Road
    • The Forum had won the Cleaner-Greener competition and brought £10,000 worth of funding to the town for environmental improvements
    • A sculpted archway is being commissioned for installation on the roundabout at Landgate as a gateway to Wigan.
  • Election of AHRA representative for Ashton & Bryn Township Forum: David McKendrick gave the group some background information with regard to the Forum and the potential positive benefits to the Group and the town of representation. Russell Smith asked for nominations for a representative for the group to sit on the Forum. No-one came forward and the matter was left open
    • .
  • Arrangements were made for the Task Day on Ashton Heath on Sunday next. Russell Smith thanked those volunteers who had carried out a significant amount of work so far
  • Anti-social Behaviour: It was felt that a general improvement had been evident but that Ashton Heath was still being abused by nuisance motorbikes on occasions. This also extended to Public Footpath No 29 that runs behind Blenheim Road. Russell Smith re-iterated the point that all such incidents should be logged on 0161 872 5050. It was agreed that we should make a renewed approach to Wigan MBC with a view to obtaining a 'kissing gate' to be erected across PF29 to deter bikes.
  • Brian Glover suggested that improvement of the footpaths should be included in the long term management of the heath.
01.09.04. Russell Smith and David McKendrick met Kath Godfrey from BTCV to agree a funding bid for work on the heathland. It was agreed that BTCV would help lead a task day with local volunteers on the heath on Sunday 3rd October.
04.08.04. Members of the AHRA Steering Group discussed progress and work to date. It was agreed that volunteers would be sought to increase the amount of work being done. This brought in the question of insurance, and the Chair agreed to pursue this. The offer from Simon Calderbank to arrange a mowing of the grassland would now be taken up, and a task day would be required to clear the cuttings from the heath. This would then allow a clearer examination to take place of the grassland area.
01.07.04. Members of AHRA met to discuss progress. Roz Park, Senior Ecologist at Wigan MBC, had emailed to say that following her site visit, she saw three priorities for the management of the heath: a) removal of intrusive trees and vegetation on the heather and native grassland areas; b) development of the footpath network to encourage users to avoid the sensitive heathland areas; and c) mowing of the main grassland areas to stop the incursion of tall ruderal species.
  The meeting was attended by Andy Ford, Senior Ranger at Three Sisters Recreation Area, who said he saw three overall priorities that the residents' group had to consider for the heath: a) the effects of site users (dog fouling, motorcycling, litter, digging); b) the desired recreational value of the heath (perceived 'purpose' of the heath for local residents and site users); and c) the safeguarding of a wildlife habitat. He said heathland was a fragile habitat which if unmanaged would gradually disappear unless effort was made to maintain it. To accomplish this it would be necessary to remove trees encroaching on the heathland, strim the long grasses crowding out the native flora, and manage the ageing heather areas. An initial task should be the conduct of a species audit to guide the management of the heath. He suggested that the group should decide their objectives for the heath and through this identify the resources needed to secure these and resultant costs. He concluded by agreeing to visit the heath, assessing the work needed to maintain it and offering his views to the group.
  The meeting concluded by considering the scope of activity of the group, particularly in the light of approaches by non-members to take up issues which concerned them. It was agreed that the main focus of the group should be the management of the heath. Non-members who were residents of the area would be offered the opportunity to attend a meeting to put forward particular issues which concerned them, but their issues would only be taken up if a consensus of members agreed to do so.
15.04.04. The AHRA Steering Group met to discuss liaison with Haydock Park to attempt to reduce the problems arising from racedays; promotion of environmental awareness through links with the local schools; possible summmer fair; liaison with local police to reduce antisocial behaviour; production of a newsletter to promote the work of the group; and progress with setting up a meeting with Wigan MBCs Environmental Section to discuss the long-term management of the heath.
01.04.04. General meeting of AHRA to agree priorities for action. Lynn Hankey attended from Ashton & Bryn Township Forum to explain the work of the Forum and the involvement of local groups such as the Association. It was agreed that a representative would be notified to her for acceptance in attending the Township Forum. The main issues of concern to the group were the long-term management of the heath, and anti-social behaviour occurring on the heath and surrounds. Priorities were agreed, and contact is to be initiated with the Council and the local police.
17.03.04. Inaugural meeting of the Ashton Heath Residents' Association. Their constitution was adopted, Russell Smith elected Chair, David Forsyth Vice-Chair, and Irene Benzeval Treasurer. The membership fee was agreed as £1.00 per annum.

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