Over the last three months, I’m amazed at all that our Green Space Volunteers (GSVs) have achieved, despite mixed fortunes with the weather — which saw our numbers fluctuate from a whopping 24 one day to four damp souls on a wet and chilly morning. We have pruned, weeded, cleared and mulched with enthusiasm and welcomed several new folk to our ranks.
Tree removal and replanting
As well as seeing many new young trees being planted by Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC), you may have noticed the tree surgeons at work recently: a programme of necessary works scheduled following last summer’s detailed safety inspection by Senior Tree Officer Chris Chavasse. Having spent time with Chris in my new role as GSV Coordinator, I know he doesn’t remove so much as a twig without good reason, but following recent hot summers, more trees than usual have died or are in rapid decline. In a few cases, a tree has been removed to give its neighbour the space needed to thrive. Additionally, the storm on the evening of 8 January brought down the Pencil Cedar (actually a juniper) near the Pump Room. This tree was on the register of champion trees for being the tallest of its kind and will be missed.
Yet this period of loss has also been matched by renewed planting efforts. I recently joined Chris to plant a new Douglas fir tree at the Wellington Road end of Pittville Lawn to replace one that had died. And on a rare sunny day this February, GSVs were joined by the CBC rangers, Cheltenham Town Wheelers, Cheltenham Tree Group and a couple of students from the University to plant trees across the west side of Pittville Park and Tommy Taylors Lane. Adding to the various copses already created on the area, the trees were provided by Cheltenham Tree Group and funded by Friends of Pittville. This brings to mind the quote: ‘Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’
Bridge repairs and next steps for Albert Rd
Before Christmas, a stone mason was engaged to carry out repairs to the bridge near the Albert Road entrance to the park. He did a great job and was very generous with his time and knowledge about how the volunteers can help with the prevention of water ingress to the bridge. I also had a meeting in January to discuss the Albert Road development with CBC’s Adam Reynolds, Green Space Manager, and Marta Cowling, public realm and landscape architect. Some stone edging material has been procured, and a planting plan has being drawn up. CBC will provide the plants and the GSVs will do the rest.
Preparation for the Green Flag inspection
We were pleased to receive a great write up from the Green Flag Award mystery visitor. In preparation for this year’s full inspection, and as part of the on-going management plan for the park, two ‘working walks’ were carried out with CBC’s Steve Mason, Community Parks Officer, and Lucy Wise, Community Ranger. We were also joined by former GSV Coordinator, Chris Archibald, who was able to share his wealth of experience. The purpose of these walks was to review progress against the plan and agree tasks for GSV and UBICO, which has helped us shape the priorities for GSV going forward.
As always, grateful thanks to our smashing team of volunteers, a warm welcome to our newest members and welcome back to Malcolm and Caro, who are back on duty looking after the area around Pittville Gates! If you would like to join our merry throng, we meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 09.15-11.15 am, meeting up by the aviaries above the playground. Email: volunteer@friendsofpittville.org.uk.
Author: Barbara Leigh