Maintaining landscape features has changed beyond recognition
I am sure the situation I am about to describe is similar nationwide, the role of managing and
maintaining landscape features has changed beyond recognition.
Ball Games
Once upon a time landscape features were maintained in a horticulturally correct manner in order to preserve and enhance the health and aesthetic appeal of the features. Growing pressures on these open spaces has forced a new approach to be taken. Coupled with this many residents consider any gathering of children on an open space to be immediately associated with nefarious
activities. So a slightly different approach is called for in order to manage open spaces in a way that is appropriate for their use. Open spaces are there for the enjoyment of all members of the community, both young and old. Some authorities deal with the “perceived anti social behaviour, ball games” by putting up notices “No Ball Games”. In my opinion this defeats the object of open space provision, after all if open spaces cannot be used for appropriate recreational use then we are plunged back into the Victorian age of parks where the instruction “Keep Off The Grass” was commonplace (this lasted well into the late fifties early
sixties as I am sure many readers will remember). Furthermore people who choose to purchase a property adjacent to public open space should fully understand the possible use of the site and not consider it an extension of their own back garden (Caveat Emptor).
I consider these pressures
to be exacerbated in predominantly rural areas such as South Staffordshire where I work. There are a number of options available in order to control but not wholly deny recreational activities, such as strategically placed shrub beds and carefully considered grass cutting regimes and finished heights. I feel this
issue is down to certain members of the public who lack tolerance and
understanding of the needs of developing young people within the community.
Global Change
The much talked about phenomenon of Global weather change has certainly impacted upon the management of Landscape features. We no longer can rely on seasonal
compartments of the year, which traditionally dictated the required tasks, and frequency of maintenance. We now see grass growing vigorously from late March well into October or November. Not only does this
The changing role of MANAGING LANDSCAPES
By HOWARD M MEDLICOTT, Manager, South Staffordshire Council
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