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Environment

Introduction

The attractive setting of the village gives rise to numerous opportunities to enjoy both local environments and those close at hand.

The questions in the survey related to three main factors, the quality and accessibility of the open spaces, the quality and accessibility of the PROW, and other factors that could be summarised as ‘nuisances’

The rural landscape provides some accessible green space such as Hillhouse Woods and many public rights of way (PROW), including long distance paths such as the Essex Way. Also within the village envelope are the large playing fields by the Orpen Hall and the open space at Poor’s Field, as well as the Village Green (The Heath), pockets of smaller green space generally within housing areas (amenity greens), the Churchyards, allotments (which do not have open access) and three ponds. The village does not have a formal public park or garden as such within its boundaries.

There are some older properties that have significant trees or hedgerows that contribute to the rural character and biodiversity value of parts of the village. Many newer developments do not. A few trees are protected with Tree Preservation Orders. Hedgerows within villages are generally not protected.

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Survey Questions

The main surveys that related to the environment were those for the household and those for clubs and organisations.

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Main findings from the surveys

Open Spaces

An overwhelming percentage of respondents (87%) felt that the open spaces in and around West Bergholt were very important to them with nobody thinking that they weren’t important at all. 90% thought it was an important factor in their decision to move to the village and 80% used these spaces frequently or fairly frequently

Organisations felt that access to open space was good in the village although dog fouling, litter and glass were issues requiring attention.

Public Rights of Way and Footpaths

The value of the footpath network is generally significant to large numbers of the village community with 95% rating them as quite or very important. Nearly 75% use them frequently or fairly frequently. Only 11% however felt the network was very well-maintained. This is an issue which clearly requires further discussion to establish peoples’ expectations.

Other major environmental issues

Of the seven categories of ‘nuisance’ people were most concerned about litter and dog-fouling, 58% and 54% thinking these were significant issues to be addressed. Villagers were also concerned about traffic noise (37%), light pollution (22%) or noisy environments (25%). When it came to commenting in detail about environmental issues traffic speed and parking matters featured strongly, as did antisocial behaviour and maintenance of hedges and footpaths. Village organisations raised concerns about the lack of bridleways, the presence of litter and broken glass, dog fouling and poor levels of street lighting.

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Issues emerging from the surveys

a. Household Survey

  1. The importance of the open spaces and the usage of the local rights of way.
  2. Poor levels of maintenance.
  3. Dog fouling.

b. Survey of Clubs and Organisations

  1. Litter.
  2. Street Lighting.

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Establishing Priorities

The top areas to take forward from this area of the plan were established through the survey of priorities held in spring 2008

  •     Litter
  •     Dog-fouling
  •     Maintenance issues of Public Rights Of Way (PROW network)
  •     Conservation and enhancement of PROW network
  •     Conservation maintenance, promotion and enhancement of Open Spaces and PROW

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Action Plan

Issue Objective Action Lead Organisation Partners Priority
Conserve and enhance existing Open Space To identify and improve the quality and accessibility of each major open space in the village Identify resources to audit each major Open Space in the village and create management objectives for the next 5 years to secure enhancements for quality, shared-use and accessibility.

Identify resources to carry out an access audit of each major Open Space

 Parish Council User groups (school, football club etc.), CBC 4
To promote more multi-functional use of the existing open space Explore enhanced shared use of green space for sustainable living, celebration, nature study, play and relaxation e.g. Green Fairs, Allotment Open Days, Composting, Bike trails, village nature trail, community garden etc. Parish Council MUGA Committee
Conserve and enhance the PROW network To promote the network to residents and visitors Work with Local Access Forum, Ramblers etc to enhance promotional opportunities for West Bergholt PROW network

Promote existing network, trails and guides on the website and in village pack

 Parish Council Local Access Forum, User groups 5
Identify responsibilities and options for specific maintenance issues Produce condition survey of local footpath network

Identify issues relating to care and maintenance

 Parish Council   3
Nuisances To reduce dog fouling Produce survey of main locations of concern Parish Council User groups/ramblers 2
Promote poop-a-scoop awareness to dog-owners through web, village pack, bulletin, school newsletter User groups/ramblers and landowners
Investigate options for notices in areas of worst problem User groups/ramblers and landowners
To reduce littering Produce survey of main locations of concern   User groups and landowners 1
Work with Co-Op to reduce packaging on own brand products Co-Op
Run a ‘litter-free’ campaign in partnership with village groups Village Groups

 

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Copyright © 2007 West Bergholt Parish Council
Last modified: 01-Dec-2008