HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL
NON CONFIDENTIAL
COMMITTEE:ENVIRONMENT
DATE:3 SEPTEMBER 2013
REPORT BY:TOWN CLERK
SUBJECT:BATFORD SPRINGS NATURE RESERVE – CLEARANCE OF REED BEDS
1.Summary
1.1The reed beds within Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve (BSLNR) have long been an area of concern for the Batford Springs Volunteers (BSV), with invasive and non native vegetation encroaching into the reed bed. At the meeting on the 20 August, the Batford Springs Working Party was made aware that during the summer the problem has deteriorated. The pond into which the spring flows has been completely invaded to the extent that urgent action is now required to clear the beds to restore the pond to allow the spring to continue to flow.
2.Recommendation
2.1It is recommended that;
2.1.1the project is supported as an urgent action.
2.1.2officers take an active role in managing the project and in collaboration with the BSVexplore additional funding opportunities, seek further competitive quotes and research other options related to the project requirements
2.1.3the Clerk, in agreement with the Chair and Vice Chair, explore options for providing financial assistance from the grounds maintenance budget in order to ensure that the work can take place as soon as possible.
3.Background
3.1The main reed bed is one of the defined habitats on the Reserve. It is situated in the pond which borders the lower edge of the Marquis Lane amenity grassland.
3.2The BSV consider work to restore the reed bed is urgent. The spring has nowhere to flow. The time spent by the BSV and money granted by BIFFAinvestedin repairing the river bank to prevent the river flowing into and contaminating the spring would be wasted. The spring is a central feature of the reserve along with the chalk stream that flows into the pond. If action were not taken this winter, the problem will in all probability worsen. The effect of which would be significant upon this area of the Reserve.
3.3Quotes for clearing the reed beds were first sought in the autumn of 2012. Ensuing bad weather prevented work from taking place.
3.4 In the spring of 2013 a professional survey was undertaken of the site to assist with the submission of contract prices. Within two months, with the damp, warm and then hot, weather the reeds grew at an alarming rate, virtually filling the entire pond. When the contractor attended in w/c 20/7/13, there had to be a complete reappraisal of the project.
3.5An updated quote has been sought, and the resulting expected cost has increased significantly as a result of:
i. a larger machine being required for the removal of reeds
ii.the volume of material to be removed is significantly more than that covered by the original quote
- access for the large machinery will need to be across the amenity grassland from Marquis Lane, requiring track mats.
3.6To contain the cost of reed removal, the volume/weight can be reduced by allowing the reeds to drain on the pond bank for 2 weeks. Costs could be further reduced through loaning the BSV the Town Council’s track mats.
3.72 metres of rank vegetation on the pond edge will have to be cut away and some of the overhanging willow trimmed back to provide access. Public access to the area will need to be restricted whilst work is being carried out.
3.8If the project is undertaken this winter, it is likely to go some way towards preventing further encroaching growth in future years and would allow the BSV to keep on top of the growth.
4.Financial Implications
4.1The initial quote came in at around £5000. The more recent quote is likely to be closer to around £15000 – subject to change according to ways in which costs could be cut e.g. through use of Town Council track mats.
4.2Should the Town Council choose to offer financial support towards the cost of the work, there is little funding available in the Batford Springs allocated budget, with around £3000 left within Repairs & Maintenance. This remaining budget, however, will be required for impending tree works due to take place this autumn as a result of the Health and Safety survey carried out on the site earlier this year.
4.3It may be possible for money to be vired across from the Commons and Greens budget, subject to approval.
4.4The BSV have indicated that there might be a possible £5000 made available from BIFFA. Any funding that can be given by the Town Council directly would be matched by the BSV.
4.5The Community Support Officer would explore opportunities for funding from other charitable organisations. It is likely that the BSV would need to make the application and the Town Council named in a support capacity as the Town Council would not be eligible for most charitable grants.
Contact officers: Katie Edwards – Amenities Officer.