Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources, the purpose of which was to provide the Committee with an annual update on country parks. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 9’ is filed with these minutes.

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

(i)  The Lead Member for Environment, Flooding noted that if Members were interested in observing how natural the flood defences worked, there was an opportunity to witness this at Beacon Hill Country Park. It was highlighted that the Team were doing substantial work to support flood defences and as a result this was increasing biodiversity in the area and hopefully this would support to minimise the flooding down the Soar Valley, which was commendable.

(ii) In response to A question from the Lead Member on the connectivity of the new parking system at Watermead Park it was noted that there were third party organisations responsible for the delivery of this work and it was hoped this would be completed by the end of October 2025.

(iii)   In response to a further query from the Lead Member in regards to increasing revenues at country parks it was noted that the Team had dedicated significant effort in recent years to developing a commercial strategy for country parks, which had led to a notable increase in income for the service. This progress had been achieved through ongoing reviews of concession and catering arrangements, evaluating car parking options where appropriate, and determining what partners were licensed to use the parks for various activities. The service continued to explore opportunities while maintaining a careful balance with biodiversity and public access responsibilities. Commercial revenue generation remained a key focus. The Team were particularly pleased to be collaborating with a new partner at the Beacon Hill café, and as Members may know, work is also underway to enhance visitor facilities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country parks.

(iv)   In response to a Members concerns on flooding and vandalism at Watermead Country Park, it was noted that the installation of the new parking system would prevent future vandalism and that flooding in recent years had closed access to pedestrians and caused damage to infrastructure and this was a wider issue.

(v) A Member suggested that flooding in county parks should not necessarily be viewed as a problem, but rather as an opportunity. It was noted that the flooding in these areas may actually help prevent flooding elsewhere by acting as a natural form of defence, and this should be embraced.

(vi)   It was noted that there were third partly links that supported the delivery of events at Snibston Colliery Park alongside a small team of 14 rangers and a volunteer community. It was suggested that if local groups wanted to utilise the space and host events there were contact details online and that they should be urged to engage with the Team well in advance as it was not possible.

(vii)   In response to a Member query about the possibility of installing solar panels at on the roof of the building at Snibston Colliery Park, it was noted that the site in question was a complicated site due to the nature of the buildings, the age of the buildings and the listed status of the buildings. Whilst the sites could be perfect on one measure, as a scheduled monument for part of the site, the very highest level of protection, and a number of the other buildings being listed buildings, this di somewhat restrict where solar panels could be installed on that site.

(viii)        It was highlighted that although the Team were not involved in the delivery of the Bosworth Trail, there was responsibility for managing the footpaths around the Battlefield Centre.

(ix)   A Member shared the appreciation from local community groups that supported the improvements to the footpath at Broombriggs footpaths and queried whether there would be further improvements at Jubilee Woods. It was noted that there were no current plans to substantially upgrade the access into Jubilee Wood and this was a balanced approach as parts of the woodland in Jubilee Wood was some of the most untouched within the country parks estate and a space for nature to thrive.

(x)  It was confirmed that grassland management was something that took place across a number of parks and something that the Team were hoping to expand on as a priority area within the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. There were some displays of wild flowers at Market Bosworth Country Park and some extensive wildflower meadows that were managed at Beacon Hill Country Park and a number across some of the sites within the heart of the National Forest.