Holt Country Park Annual Review 2015
Silver Washed Fritillary - Will Fitch
Contents
page
1. Introduction
2
2. Green Flag Award
3
3. Vision and Aims
3
4. Visitor numbers
3
5. Health and safety and tree safety
3
6. Cleansing
4
7. Volunteers
4
8. Events
6
9. School and group visits
8
10. Biodiversity
8
11. Contractors
12
12. Staff
13
13. Finance
13
14. Consultation
14
15. Publicity
15
16. Action Plan – green flag objectives
16
17. Management plan (Forestry Commission Model)
20
18. Action Plan (sylvicultural)
39
 Appendix 1 General site information
47
 Appendix 2a Operational risk assessment (generic for service) 52
 Appendix 2b Events risk assessment (generic for service)
PJI 25.01.16
1
1 Introduction
Holt Country Park is situated approximately one mile south of Holt on the eastern side
of the B1149 Holt to Norwich Road, Grid Reference TG 082 376. The nearest postcode
is NR25 6SP.
It consists of 42ha of mainly pine woodland, with some broadleaved trees and shrubs. It
is divided up by a network of rides. Distinct areas of the park are recognisable by
changes in vegetation structure. Further information regarding the site in general is
contained in appendix 1.
Woodlands managed by NNDC were included in the Forestry Commission (FC) English
Woodland Grant Scheme from which an income was derived. The scheme closed in
2014 and a successor scheme has not yet been launched. Any successor scheme will
require the use of the Forestry Commission management plan model. Consequently,
this model is used for NNDC woodlands including Holt Country Park in anticipation that
this site may be eligible for grant funding in future.
This review describes significant activities and progress of the past year. It is
supplementary to the Management Plan and contains a revised Action Plan.
Layout plan
2
2 Green Flag Award
Success in Green Flag is one of the council’s core objectives and achieving Green Flag
Status is included in the council’s Annual Action Plan. Please see www.northnorfolk.org
‘Annual Action Plan ref: C A 01 – Coast Countryside and Built Heritage.
Activity – We will assess and implement requirements for new Green Flag Awards and
work to retain the existing awards’
Holt Country Park achieved the first Green Flag Award in Norfolk in 2005/6 and has
held it for ten consecutive years
3 Vision and Aims
Vision – To provide a high quality and inspiring visitor experience and a rich diversity of
flora and fauna in a sustainable woodland setting
Aim - To enhance the wildlife within the park by diversifying habitats whilst securing the
future of important species and complementing adjacent conservation sites
Aim - To promote regular visits to the park by providing a variety of high quality facilities
and activities
Aim - To create opportunities for the community to be involved in all aspects of the park
Aim - To seek financial security and increase investment through grants, appropriate
income generating activities and internal promotion within the council
4 Visitor Numbers
The Country Park is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are
several access points so assessing visitor numbers accurately is not straight forward.
However most people arrive by car and use the main car park. Assuming 90% of visits
are by car carrying an average of 2.5 people then in 2014/15 there were about 33,000
visits compared with 24,000 in 2005/06. Visitor numbers have increased and this is due
to year on year improvements and the site becoming increasingly recognised as a
wildlife haven.
5 Health & safety and tree safety
The Council’s Tree Management Policy sets out the rationale for the management of
tree safety on council owned land. This requires formal inspections on an 18-month
basis. In accordance with good practice a zoned approach to risk is taken with trees
adjacent to paths, boundaries and private property receiving a high standard of
maintenance. A lesser standard is acceptable within the woodland itself where visitor
use is minimal. Formal tree inspections are currently undertaken by council staff.
Specialist arboricultural work is carried out by M J Tree Services. The rangers carry out
routine woodland maintenance operations
All material remains on site to be collected later and sold as fire wood or retained in
habitat piles.
3
The high risk areas of Country Park were last formally inspected in August 2015 and
subsequent remedial works were completed.
Ash Dieback (Chalara fraxinea) was first discovered at the country park in 2012. This
devastating disease has affected all of the ash trees, the removal of which will be
completed in 2016. Fortunately ash is not numerous in the country park so the impact
of the loss of the trees will be limited.
The site and other features are inspected by rangers monthly and an itemised
inspection schedule is completed. Paths, art works, bins, benches, structures,
information points, trails etc. are covered. Maintenance works are undertaken by the
Rrangers who follow a monthly work plan based on this management plan. All
significant activities and operations are covered by risk assessments. The risk
assessments were reviewed in November 2015 and a these are contained in Appendix
2.
The play area is well used but some of the equipment is nearing the end of its life and
will need replacing over the next two years.
To supplement routine visual inspections of the play area, formal inspections are carried
out by The Play Inspection Company quarterly together with all other play areas
throughout the district under the council’s control.
6 Cleansing
The Country Park is fortunate in not suffering significantly from litter or fly tipping.
Litter bins are not provided throughout the site and information displayed on notice
boards encourages visitors to take their litter home. Litter picking is carried out by site
staff several times a week in summer and less frequently at other times. The toilets are
cleaned by Kier Services at least once a day.
The Country Park is used extensively by local people to walk dogs. There is no option
but to provide dog bins and these are provided in places of heavy use and where they
can be effectively emptied by contractor’s staff.
Public land in the district is covered by a Dog Control Order making it an offence for
people not to clean up after their dogs. The regulations were introduced under the
Clean Neighborhoods and Environment Act 2005.
7 Volunteers
The Country Park continued to benefit from the efforts of dedicated volunteers in 2015
and a great deal of work has been achieved that would not have happened without their
involvement. We have recognised the importance of good supervision for volunteer
work and have provided the necessary staff resource to enable volunteer sessions to
achieve meaningful results. It is clear that the volunteers are deriving great satisfaction
from their work given their enthusiasm for the various activities undertaken.
Holt Day Centre - Throughout the year, Holt Day Centre has continued with a regular
Wednesday session with activities at the Country Park supervised by the Rangers. In
addition to regular clearance of rhododendrons and brambles in 2014 the day centre
4
completed the sensory garden. In October a celebration of the gardens completion took
place at which all those involved attended including the Leader of The Council, Cllr Tom
Fitzpatric.
December 2014 saw the tenth anniversary of the Day Centre’s involvement with Holt
Country Park and a celebration was held in the sensory garden where a selection of
tools was presented to Day Centre students and staff by Cllr Glyn Williams, Portfolio
member for Sports and Leisure.
Holt Day Care helpers with Rangers
Unpaid Work Unit - Whilst not strictly volunteers the Community Payback programme
of the Probation Service has contributed some 2000 hours over the past year through
consistent regular sessions. Tasks have concentrated on rhododendron clearance and
path and road repairs.
Easton College - The Country Park is a valuable learning resource for the local college
offering courses in countryside related disciplines. We continue to accept one day
release student for one or two days a week to work with the rangers.
Sheringham Ringing Group - This group are the local representatives of the Hawk
and Owl Trust and are licensed to handle birds of prey. Owl and Kestrel nest boxes are
monitored throughout the site and some birds are ringed in the interests of research.
Norfolk Bat Group - The Bat Group undertake an annual survey in the country park
and examine the bat boxes notifying us of their observations.
Mike Thody - Mike has been working with us for around 15 years. He approached us
shortly after retirement seeking permission to construct site specific sculptures from
fallen branches and pieces of wood. Much of his work can be seen throughout the
country park and he has produced some significant carvings recently at the country park
and also at other locations.
5
Volunteers Summary
Individual /
Organisation
Activity
Estimated
hours on site in
2015
7400
Holt Day Centre
Grounds maintenance
operations
North Norfolk Workout Grounds maintenance
Group
operations
Unpaid Work Unit
Grounds maintenance
operations
Easton College
Assist Rangers
placement
Sheringham Ringing
Kestrel and owl box
Group
management
Norfolk Bat Group
Bat survey
Mike Thody
Site specific sculpture
360
2000
140
20
8
80
8 Events
Each year, the Countryside and Parks Team hold around 40 – 60 events at beaches
and parks throughout the district. Holt Country Park is well placed as a venue for
events because of the availability of site facilities. Events offering half term and holiday
activities for children are the most popular. In 2015 there were 17 events compared
with 28 in 2014. There are16 events planned for 2016. Car parking capacity is limited
at the country park. Where possible larger events are now held at Pretty Corner Woods
where a larger number of cars can be accommodated.
Muddy Boots Club - These events started during the summer holidays in 2013 and are
intended for families. This will be developed into a Muddy Boots Award Club for
children where a bronze, silver and gold award can be achieved in wildlife and
conservation studies. The events will be themed to relate to each level.
Public events held in 2015
Date
18th Feb
18th Feb
8th April
9th April
26th May
27th May
event
Shelter building
Winter wildlife
Mini beast hunt and pond
dipping
Mini-beast day
Mini-beasts, amphibians and
reptiles
Toddler talk, teddy bear toddle
6
adults
30
40
37
children
65
95
51
Total
95
135
88
25
20
36
14
61
34
32
14
46
24th July
27th July
30th July
3rd August
8th August
10th August
18th August
26th October
26th October
19th December
20th December
Nightjar walk
British spiders
Beautiful butterflies (raining!)
Whinnie the Pooh woodland
trail and teddy bears picnic
Dragonfly walk
Mini-beast hunt
Marvellous mammals
Fungi walk
Halloween trail
Father Christmas trail
Father Christmas trail
2
5
10
42
0
4
5
30
2
9
15
72
4
14
2
12
110
96
120
385
3
18
4
15
184
164
237
538
7
32
6
27
294
260
357
1540
Event calendar for 2016
Date
event
15th Feb
17th Feb
1st April
1st April
12th May
13th May
1st June
1st June
2nd June
2nd June
25th July
27th July
3rd Aug
3rd Aug
10th Aug
17th Aug
22nd Aug
31st Aug
24th Oct
Tba Oct
17th Dec
18th Dec
Cost per
adult £
Shelter building
What’s that mini-beast
What’s that mini-beast
Is that a frog or a toad?
Newts and amphibians (adult participants)
Reptiles (adult participants)
Teddy bear toddler trail
Sculpture building
Spectacular British spiders
Arty Wildlife
Shelter building
Shelter building
What’s that beetle
Bees, butterflies and insects
Jewels in the park – dragonflies and
damselflies
Wind in the Willows trail and quiz
Why should I help to save trees?
Wander with the Ranger through the woods
Halloween trail
Fungi walk
Father Christmas trail
Father Christmas trail
TBA
free
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
Cost per
child £
2
2
2
2
n/a
2
free
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
1
5
1
5
5
Note:


Events listed in the above table may change due to unforeseen circumstances. For up to date
information please see NNDC website
There is no charge for adults where events are intended for children only
http://www.northnorfolk.org/community.asp
7
9 School and Group visits 2015
Ranger led visits are particularly popular towards the end of the summer term. There
has been a decline in the number of school visits requiring ranger supervision in recent
years because other providers now offer this service. In addition, self -guided visits have
become more popular as schools become more competent to lead their own forest
school type events. We will continue to cater for schools as required. Some schools
visit year after year and feedback remains positive.
Date
School
Activity
Number of
participants
12/03/15
Horsford CE school.
Shelter building
Mini beasts
41
08/06/15
St Nicholas school
10
12/06/15
Fakenham infant school
Shelter building
Mini beast
Shelter building
Mini beasts
25/06/15
North walsham infant
school
Toftwood school
Shelter building
Mini beasts
Mini beast
Arty wildlife
83
6/7/2015
Sheringham primary
school
Shelter building
Mini beasts
60
13/7/2015
St Williams primary
Shelter building
Mini beasts
57
16/07/2015
The belfry school
Shelter building
Mini beasts
20
30/06/15
77
88
10 Biodiversity
For the fifth year there have been sightings of the Silver Washed Fritillary butterfly
(Argynnis paphia). This large orange butterfly is very rare but appears to be gaining a
strong foothold in Norfolk. In 2015 numbers were much greater than in previous years
with the buddleia bushes around the car park providing a reliable haunt. Examples of
the green variant (A. p. valesina) were also seen in numbers to the delight of visiting
entomologists. It is almost certain that there is a breeding colony at the country park
8
and management operations are being focussed on encouraging the food plant of the
larvae, Dog Violet (Viola riviniana). This is being done by increasing light penetration to
the ground and controlling other vegetation where violets and mature oaks are present
together with planting young plants in likely places to attract the butterflies.
Silver Washed Fritillary var (valesina)
Will Fitch
Broad Bordered Bee Hawk Moth
Paul Forster
In May there were several sightings of the Broad Bordered Bee Hawk Moth. This day
flying moth is nationally scarce. Sightings of this moth were along the flowery rides.
9
The country park is well placed to support a breeding population due to the presence of
the food plants of the larvae, honeysuckle and snowberry.
Scarce Tortoiseshell
In March 2015 country park rangers sighted the exceptionally rare Scarce Tortoiseshell
butterfly.
Up until 2014 this butterfly, also known as the Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell, had a single
confirmed sighting of a female specimen that was caught in Shipbourne, near
Sevenoaks in West Kent on 2nd July 1953. Some 61 years later, in July 2014 sightings
of this species were reported from a number of counties in south-east England,
following an influx in the Netherlands. This species is resident in central and eastern
Europe, but is occasionally sighted in Finland, Denmark, Germany and Sweden.
One of the butterflies was seen again over two days last week in the country park,
indicating that it successfully hibernated over winter. The country park provides a
suitable habitat for the butterfly because the adults feed on birch sap and the foodplant
for the caterpillars is willow.
There do not appear to have been any sightings later in the year and as the species
prefers cold weather for overwintering, the local climate may not be ideal to sustain
breeding colonies.
Scarce Tortoiseshell
I.JM Garg
10
Great Crested Newts
Great Crested newts continue to thrive following their initial discovery in 2012. Habitat
enhancement work in the form of the creation of additional habitat piles (stacks of
branches and logs) has been proceeding throughout 2015
Reptile relocation project
In June NNDC was approached by Southern ecological Solutions Ltd (SES), a firm of
ecology consultants regarding the possibility of relocating reptiles from a nearby
development site to the country park. SES carried out a survey at the country park to
assess existing reptile populations and whether the country park would make a suitable
receptor site.
SES established that the country park was suitable and slow worms and common
lizards were released.
Pigs
November saw the introduction of an innovative way to control invasive bracken and
bramble. Seven Large Black pigs provided by a local grazier and contained in small
paddocks by moveable electric fencing are eating their way through vegetation on the
woodland floor. The fencing is moved regularly to provide fresh grazing. This particular
breed was selected because Large Blacks are docile, hardy and suited to woodland.
This project is being carried out on a trial basis and if successful will be repeated. It is
likely that the existing pigs will be removed in January 2016.
11
For the duration of the project notices are present notifying visitors of the presence of
the pigs and electric fencing and asking the public to keep dogs under control and not to
feed the pigs to avoid the spread of disease.
When the project began considerable interest was shown by the local media and to date
all comments and feedback has been very positive.
Large Black pigs
NNDC
11 Contractors
Contractors are used to undertake certain operations to complement the work of the
rangers. Contractors used in 2015 are listed below.
Contractors undertaking work in 2015
Name
function
M J Tree Services
Tree Management (surveying and remedial
works)
Renosteel Construction
Play area maintenance
The Play Inspection Company Play area inspections
Kier Services
Cleansing and bin emptying,
12
E Rand & Sons
Coffee 2 Go
Borough of Kings Lynn and
West Norfolk Council
Wild Frontier Ecology
Southern Ecological Solutions
Ltd
Wildwood (Mark Tasker)
Generator Servicing
Refreshments
Car Park management
Great Crested Newt survey
Reptile survey and relocation
Grazing of pigs
12 Staff resources
Staffing levels are relatively stable and adequate to deliver the service at the country
park and other sites.
Staff resources
Post
Senior Ranger
Assistant Ranger
Assistant Ranger
Assistant Ranger
Countryside and Parks
Manager
Seasonal Visitor Centre
Assistant
Countryside and Parks
Assistant
Easton College student
Total
Time at HCP (full time
equivalent)
0.5
0.6
0.4
0.5
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
2.6
13 Financial
Emphasis is placed on developing commercial initiatives without detriment to visitor
enjoyment and biodiversity. Income levels have shown a sharp rise in 2013/14 and this
is due to increased car park income, firewood sales and ice cream sales.
Income sources in order of magnitude are as follows:
 Car park revenue
 Firewood sales
 Events
 Forestry Commission grant
 School and group visits
 Visitor centre sales (gifts, snacks, publications)
 Coffee concession
13
Income and expenditure
£
2010 - 11
Expenditure 164,364
Fixed costs 114,807
Variable
49,557
costs
Income
-34,851
Net cost of
129,513
Service
2011 - 12
177,290
132,129
45,162
2012-13
202,693
165,283
37,410
2013 -14
205,847
166,216
39,631
2014-15
220,837
181,565
39,272
-39,697
137,593
-32,006
170,687
-58,357
147,490
32,545
188,292
Note: From April 2012 the cost of the Senior Ranger (approx. 23k) was included in the
expenditure budget (from MU 3900 to MU 3120).
The net cost of service in 2014/15 is £40,802 greater than in 2013/14. This can be
explained as follows:




Loss of Forestry Commission Grant in 2014/15 of approximately £8,000.
Insurance payment in 2013/14 of approximately £11,000.
Depreciation of assets increase in 2014/45 of approximately £6,000.
Management Unit increase in 2014/15 of approximately £8,000.
The net effect is that operating costs remained around the same for 2013/14 and
2014/15.
14 Consultation
In summer 2013 a customer survey was carried out to gauge public opinion and to
establish if there had been any changes in use or aspirations since 2006 when a similar
survey was undertaken. The survey took the form of a questionnaire for people to
complete in the visitor centre. The same survey was repeated in early 2014 where a
profile of winter users was sampled to establish if different results would be received in
winter compared to summer.
No further survey was carried out in 2015 but the results of the previous surveys have
been included in this review as they are still relevant.
The findings are summarised as follows:
1. A greater proportion of visitors were children in 2013 (43%) and 46% in 2014
than in 2006 (26%)
14
2. In 2006 58% of people came from outside the district compared to 72% in 2013
and 79% in 2014
3. The distance travelled to the park remained about the same with about a third of
visitors having travelled under 5 miles for all surveys
4. The vast majority of people travel by car but there does appear to be an increase
in cycling (+15%) particularly in summer
5. The predominant reason why people visit continues to get some fresh air and
walk the dog
6. People continue to appreciate the wildlife and peaceful setting but the play area
has risen in popularity
7. Whilst many people did not find any fault with the park a bigger play area was a
common request in 2013 compared with 2006. There was continued low level
discontent with parking charges and dog mess but a very much greater desire for
a café and refreshments in 2013 (89%) than in 2006 (8%).
The key issues for consideration arising from the surveys are as follows:

The country park is attracting more families with children

It needs to continue to provide a peaceful experience rich in wildlife

There is a demand for better play provision

There is a considerable demand for refreshments

There was no significant difference in the needs and aspirations of summer and
winter visitors
15 Publicity
There is a wealth of inexpensive marketing media available in 2014 publicity was
provided through:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
North Norfolk Guardian
Council tax literature
Holt Country Park Brochure
Mailing list (people who complete events feedback form)
Events booklet – sent to schools, post offices, caravan sites, shops. Village halls
tourist information centres.
6. Press releases
15
7. Eastern Daily Press free adverts
8. North Norfolk News free adverts
9. Fun Outside (school publication)
10. Broadland Clusters Website
11. North Norfolk District Council Website
12. North Norfolk Radio
13. Banners and notices on – site
14. Free newspapers
15. Twitter
16. Word of mouth

The country park web page on the council’s website receives the greatest
number of hits of any council web page.

The introduction in 2012 by the council of Twitter has helped promote the country
park significantly.

A dedicated Facebook page is to be introduced in 2016.
Action Plan – Green Flag objectives - refreshed Jan 2016
action
target
Status
end 2015
Plans for 2016
who
A welcoming place
1
2
Improved
May 2012
external
signage and
interpretation
Visitor centre – July 2015
new
interpretation
and shelves
and activity
sheets
4
Replace
observation
tower
Complete by
June 2015
5
Car park
surface
On going
completed
Further
improvements
by June 2016
AK
Part
completed
More emphasis AK
on information.
VC will be
‘unmanned’ to
reduce costs.
Capital bid
for £18,000
submitteds
ept 2013
On going
16
Stock sold at
specific times
only
failed
PI
On going
cont
6
7
maintenance
Play area
August 2014
improvement
Feasibility
Sept 2014
study and
Capital bid into
café provision
Not
completed
Capital bid
‘on hold’
pending
further
commercial
isation
studies
Implement by
PI
June 2016
Commercialisat PI
ion options to
be completed
by April 2016
Healthy safe and secure, clean and well maintained
9
Site safety
inspections
10
Tree
inspections
11
Monitor Ash
die back and
follow FC
advice
Inspect monthly
Complete
d and
records
held
18 month
Complete
inspection cycle d and
records
held
On-going
Dead ash
removed
Inspect monthly
WF
Roadside
completed Oct
2014 and
internal paths
completed Aug
2015
Monitor Ash die
back and follow
FC advice
MJ
all
Conservation and heritage
12
Clear 25 %
vegetation
from pond
every three
years
Oct 2015
13
Great Crested
Newt habitat enhancement
Create small
ponds in
existing wet
areas comp
1,2,6 and
habitat piles in
comp 3a
Silver Washed
Started April
2012
14
Started Sept
25%
Further 25%
completed
due 2018
March 2012
25%
completed
Nov 2015
On-going
See
sylvicultural
acton plan for
detail
cont
Glade
AK
17
See
AK
/WF
Fritillary
habitat
enhancement
15
Bat Survey
16
Events
17
School and
group visits
20
Implement
Muddy Boots
volunteers
Implement
Muddy Boots
Club
Holt Day Care
21
22
2012
enhanceme sylvicultural
nt part
action plan for
complete
detail
annually
complete
Community Involvement
50 events at all 17 events
sites. 20 – 30 at complete
HCP
16 visits by Jan 8
2015
complete
d
Weekly in 2014 complete
d
AK
Weekly in 2015
(provisional
AK
AK
Implement in
2015
AK
Weekly
attendance
complete
MH
HDC
complete
Weekly
attendance in
2016
Occasional
attendance
On going
ALL
Occasional
attendance
24
Implementatio
n of FC
Woodland
Design Plan
And NNDC
Action Plan
On going
26
16 events
planned plus
volunteer days
16 visits by Jan
2016
Not done
Unpaid work
unit
Complete
annual review
Income
generation
WF
WFE
10 events in
2014
23
25
June 2016
/WF
Sustainability
On going
PS
Management
End Jan 2015
complete
10% year onyear increase
Complete by end PI
Jan 2016
Remained Increase on
ALL
similar to 2016 base by
2014
10% by April
2017
PI
27
Visitor Survey
Undertake
winter survey
by April 2014
complete
18
Undertake
survey summer
2016
28
More proactive
promotion of
muddy boots
days with
‘incentives’ to
attend
(literature and
weblinks)
Closer liaison
with Comms
Team
Set up
Facebook
page
Marketing
April 2015
complete
June 2016
n/a
19
Planned (MB
Club)
AK
immplement
comm
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Sylvicultural Action Plan (From NNDC Management Plan)
2015 status  = complete
 = not started
 = part complete
Comp
See
map
activity
1
Create habitats for
amphibians.
Rhododendron
management.
Monitor Amphibian
species.
Note: Coppice
winter 2021- 2022.
1a
2
2015
w s
S
X X
X
Monitor Amphibian
and aquatic
species
X X
Create earth bank
on ride edge to
maintain wetland
areas for
s
S
2017
a
w
s
S
2018
a
w
s
S
2019
a
w
s
S
a

X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X  X
X 
X

X
X X
 X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X X
X

X
X X
3
w
X  X
X  X
X
X
Remove section of
Reedmace.
Create an island
within the pond.
Maintain long and
short grassland
areas for wildlife.
Create habitats for
amphibians.
Rhododendron
management.
Monitor Amphibian
species
2016
a

X
X X
X
X X
X

39
X X
X X
amphibians .
Remove Rh and Br
and treat.
X
Monitor Amphibian
and aquatic
species
4a
4b
5
6
7
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X

Create Hazel block X
by thinning
unwanted regen
species and
planting Hazel
trees. Dead hedge
area.
Remove Rh and
treat.
X
X  X
Create area for
mammals.
Dead hedge to
create protective
area.
Monitor species
X  X
X  X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X X X  X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
 X
Remove Rh and
X
X X
X X
treat plants.
Plant with Beech & X
X 
suitable species.
Increase log pile
 X
area (Decaying
X X
wood)
Monitor amphibian
and insect species.

X X
X X
X X
X X
 X
Create habitats for X
amphibians.
Rhododendron
management.

Monitor Amphibian X X X
X X X X
X X X
species
X
Remove Rh and Br X
and treat.
Monitor Creeping
X

X X
X  X
X X
X
X
X
40
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X X X
X X
X
X
X
X
8
9
10
11
12a
12b
13
14a
Ladies Tresses
Remove Rh and Br X
and treat.
Monitor Creeping
X
Ladies Tresses.
Remove Rh and
treat roots.
Halo thinning
around selected
specimens of
native trees
Remove Rh and
treat roots.
Halo thinning
around selected
specimens of
native trees
Remove Rh and
treat roots. (East
side)
Halo thinning
around selected
specimens of
native trees (West
side) See map.
Tree thinning of
pines.
Halo thinning
around selected
specimens of
native trees Leave
Holly trees.
Removal of
Himalayan Balsam
by hand pulling.
Bracken rolling by
hand and foot.
Increase meadow
area by 20m2 by
removal of weak
pines.
Cut grass and
remove by hand.
Create pond.
Increase log pile

X  X
X
X X
 X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
X

X
 X
X 
X
X
 X
41
X
X
X
X
X
areas.
14b
15
Remove
Sycamore. Scrub
up by planting
native scrub
species to act as a
protective
perimeter barrier.
Monitor and
remove unhealthy
trees.
Increase wild
flower species and
maintain Thol the
gaint garden.
Entrance, increase
wild flower species
on banks.
Remove
Alexanders on
banks.
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X X
X 
X X
X 
X X
16
Coppice and
expand area. See
map.
Maintain Hazel
block and protect
throughout five
years. (App )
Coppice middle
area 2023-2024
17
Tree thinning to
X
allow regeneration
of native species.
Allow area to scrub X
up to create
potential area for
Creeping Ladies
Tresses. Monitor
for CLT.
18a
18b
Halo thinning
around mature
native trees where
X
X
X

X X
 X
X X
X
X X
X X
X  X
X
X
X
X  X
X X
X X
X X

X
X  X
X
X X
42
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
19
20
21
required.
Halo thinning
around mature
native trees where
required.
Halo thinning
around mature
native trees where
required.
Monitor and
remove unhealthy
trees. Sensory
garden maintain as
a garden for
wildflowers, plants
and wildlife.
Construct roof for
hut.
X
X  X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X  X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X X X X  X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X
22
23a
23b
24

Coppice (Area 2)
Coppice (Area 3)
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
 X
Hazel regeneration X
on side adjacent to
Beech ride see
app
Monitor for
unhealthy tree
species. Coppice
Chestnut stands.
Spiral, plant with
Hornbeams trees
to create spiral
hedge.
Maintain spiral
structure.
Increase and
maintain perimeter
hedge. Maintain
tree plantings.
Increase mini
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
X
 X
X
X
X
43
beast area using
decaying wood.
Seating area
25
Whol
e
Site
Monitor for
diseased trees.
Plant up perimeter
fence.
Revise trails and
introduce informal
trails with leaflets,
for example
butterfly trail,
woodland trail,
easy access trail.
X X
 X
X X
X
 X
X  X
x 
X X
X
44
X X
X X
X
45
46
Appendix 1
General Site Information
Location
Holt Country Park is situated approximately one mile south of Holt on the eastern side
of the B1149 Holt to Norwich Road, Grid Reference TG 082 376. The nearest postcode
is NR25 6SP
Tenure
The Country Park is freehold and owned by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).
Parts of the eastern and southern areas of the park are designated as Common Land
under the 1968 Commons Act and are also designated as Access Land under the
Countryside Rights of Way Act (CROW Act 2000). There are designated public rights of
way to complement the permissive access.
The northern end of the Country Park known as Mackey’s Hill is owned by NNDC but
the harvestable timber is owned by the Forestry Commission. Access to Mackey’s Hill to
the main Country Park is by a short footpath link.
Size and general layout
Holt Country Park consists of 42ha of mainly pine woodland, with some broadleaved
trees and shrubs. It is divided up by a network of rides. Distinct areas of the park are
recognisable by changes in vegetation structure.
History
The land which now forms Holt Country Park has had an interesting history which has
impacted on management practices and will continue to do so.
The earliest reference to the land now forming the Country Park is that of the presence
of a racecourse. This ran from Norwich Road to Hempstead Road in the early 1700s.
The races ended with the enclosure of the commons under the Holt and Letheringsett
Enclosure of 1810. At this time William Withers of Holt was making successful
experiments in afforestation, and it is probable that the first Scots Pine plantations in the
district were planted on this site under his supervision. The land, which is now Holt
Country Park, was part of the extensive Holt Lodge estate. In 1854 the old racecourse
was converted to permanent meadowland, and an additional 16 acres were ploughed
and converted to arable land. By 1898 the estate belonged to the Oddy family, and
Douglas Oddy created further plantations and experimented in landscaping the
grounds, introducing a brick archway and a variety of statues and plinths. In 1951 the
woodland, scrub and meadow were sold off separately from the house and the rest of
the estate. During the next 6 years the majority of trees were felled. Between 1958 and
1961 the whole area including the meadow land was replanted with a mixture of Scots
and Corsican Pine and other softwoods.
In 1979 North Norfolk District Council purchased most of the woodland then known as
Holt Lodge Woodlands with financial help from the County Council and The Countryside
Commission. In 1980 the wood was formally designated as a Country Park.
47
In 1985 a row of beech trees adjacent to Norwich Road were transferred to NNDC by
Norfolk County Council and the land at Mackey’s Hill was added in 1989 by purchase
agreement.
Further reading:
 A History of Holt Country Park, Edward Taylor. August 2015.
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
The Wider Landscape
The Country Park lies within the Glaven Valley Conservation Area and 1 mile to the
south of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Holt Lowes, a large expanse of lowland heath neighbouring the site is a Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and as such is
protected under the European Habitats Directive. Any activities which may have any
impact on the SAC must be carried out in consultation with Natural England. Holt
Lowes is owned by the Holt Lowes Trustees and managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
To the east of the Country Park at the other side of the B1145 lies Edgefield Woods, a
County Wildlife site owned and managed by Stody Estate.
Holt is fortunate to have other publicly accessible countryside sites. Spout Hills to the
West of the town and Little Hills are owned and managed by Holt Town Council .
Geology
Approximately 900m below the Country Park there lies a platform of Precambrian and
Palaeozoic rocks which slope away to the Northeast. The rocks that make up this
platform include metamorphosed Precambrian volcanic ashes and intrusions, slate and
greywackes of the lower Palaeozoic period, Devonian rocks similar to those of South
Wales and Devon and Carboniferous limestones very like those of the Peak District
contain veins of lead ore.
Above this platform, chalk was formed which underlies about half of East Anglia.
Formation of the chalk in the Upper Cretaceous period about 130 million years ago was
due to the compaction of calcareous organic remains deposited when this area was
submerged beneath the sea.
More recent geological events have contributed more significantly to the development of
the Country Park. About 300,000 years ago, ice age glaciers arrived in Norfolk .
Examination of the glacial deposits show the first glacial approach or the Cromer
Advance, appears to have come from a north-easterly direction and contains minerals
of a Scandinavian origin.
Glacial deposits can be seen in the series of hills around Holt. Known as the Holt
Cromer Ridge, these are part of the glacial outwash moraine from the last glacial
advance around 12,000 years ago. Glacial sand and gravel deposits are a dominant
surface feature of the area providing material from which the soils were formed. Boulder
clay and loams were also deposited in this mantle of ‘drift’.
Later the constant erosion from the River Glaven has widened the valley to the south of
the site into the dominant feature that it is today.
Soils
The soils in the Country Park are as varied like much of the Holt-Cromer ridge being
composed mostly of sands and gravel. Throughout the Country Park, soils have
48
developed on this parent material of sand with gravel and flints and provide good
examples of ‘podzolic’ soils.
Soil profiles have been taken over the sit and it can be seen that these relate to past
land use.
Soil profile examinations range between well structured deep topsoil to sand and gravel.
The former meadowland area is particularly deep topsoil. The pH values tend to
increase across the woodland from southeast to northwest.
Water
Surface water is limited on such a sandy site. A pond is situated at the south west of
the site which forms the beginning of a spring fed chain of ponds stretching onto the
adjacent Holt Lowes SSSI. Water levels fluctuate with seasons but generally the pond
is full by the late spring.
Throughout the site are wet puddles on the path network. This is mainly due to
compacted layers preventing the water from draining away. Many of the paths are also
lower than the surrounding woodland and so act as drainage ditches. Some of the
puddles hold water for most of the year and provide watering holes for wildlife and
breeding places for amphibians.
Surveys from Gresham’s School in the 1920’s suggest that there were wetter areas in
the meadows which now form the park.
Ecological Information
Trees
Scots Pine and Corsican Pine are the most abundant trees and these were planted
following the clear felling of 1958 – 1961. Other conifers planted after 1961 include
Lawson Cypress, Larch, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir
and Norway Spruce.
Silver Birch are the most abundant deciduous trees and trees of varying age exist
because this species regenerates readily. Beech, Oak, Sweet Chestnut, are also
regenerating in places together with a shrub layer of Hazel, Holly Common Privet and
bramble.
Rhododendron is present and spreading throughout the woodland. Activities to reduce
and remove rhododendron are on-going.
Notable trees include; Old specimens of Scots Pines near the pond and along the
Lowes Lane footpath, remnants of the previous wood, mature Beech Trees along the
B1149 and remnant trees from the old lodge driveway from Hempstead Road to the
arch. Invasive Sycamore is controlled routinely.
Herbs
The field layer is dependent on soil type. In the less acidic areas, Bramble has become
dominant to the detriment of a once rich herb layer. Bracken is common on the poorer
acidic soil.
The greatest variety of herbs occurs along the ride edges where light is abundant and
the bramble is cut regularly. Primrose, Wood Avens and Red Campion dominate in
spring and Field Scabious and Black Knapweed later in the year. In certain areas
Cowslips survive from the old meadowland.
49
The most interesting plants to arise from afforestation are the Creeping Ladies Tresses
(Goodyera repens) and Birdsnest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis). Creeping Ladies Tresses
can be found throughout the wood but is generally restricted to areas of dense Scots
Pine. It is thought that the original plants arrived at the site on the roots of the first
Scots Pines. Since the thinning in 2001 and 2002 numbers declined possibly due to
increased competition with bracken and bramble. It appears the plant has now
disappeared but measures to encourage its return are now beginning. Birdsnest
Orchids which are saphrophytic on the roots of Beech trees have been expanding in
numbers and this has been helped by the regeneration and planting of beech in target
areas
Other Orchids occurring at Holt Country Park include the Broad-leaved Hellborine
(Epipactis helleborine), the Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and the
Twayblade Orchid (Listera ovata).
Further reading:
 Wild Flower records, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, May 2015
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
Fungi
Over 500 species of fungi have been confirmed.
Further reading:
th
 Fungus records, Tony Leach, 30 October 2013
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
Mammals
The Country Park has 23 species of mammals including red Deer, Muntjack Deer, Grey
Squirrel, Red Fox and Badger. The following Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority
Species are present:
 Water Vole
 Soprano Pipistrelle Bat
 Natterers Bat
Further reading:
 Bat Box survey 2009 – 2014, Will Fitch
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
Birds
The Country Park has 93 species of birds including Kestrel, Tawny Owl, Nuthatch,
Great Tit and Goldcrest. The following BAP Priority Species are present:
 House Sparrow
 Song Thrush
 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
 Yellowhammer
The adjacent Holt Lowes is noted for Nightjars.
Reptiles and Amphibians
50
Apart from the Common Frog the reptiles and amphibians present are all BAP Priority
species and these are:






Common Toad
Smooth Newt
Palmate Newt
Great Crested Newt
Slow Worm
Adder
Further reading:
 Great Crested Newt Assessment, Wild Frontier Ecology, May 2012
 Reptile Survey, SES Ecology, August 2015
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
Butterflies and Moths
There are no BAP species on-site but since 2010 the Country Park has supported a
growing population of Silver Washed Fritillary butterflies including the greenish
aberration known as valesina.
There is also a stable population of White admirals together with other more common
species such as Comma, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Brimstone and Holly Blue.
In 2014 several sightings of the Broad Bordered Bee Hawk moth were reported.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
The Country Park is the only location in East Anglia where the Keeled Skimmer
Dragonfly is found. Other species include Emperor Dragonfly, Norfolk Hawker, Broad
Bodied Chaser and the very numerous Common Darter.
Other Invertebrates
Information on other invertebrates such as spiders, slugs and snails, bees and wasps,
beetles and worms is in the process of being gathered.
Further reading:
th
 Beetle Records for Holt Country Park and Holt Lowes, Martin Collier, 12 May 2015
(contact NNDC 01263 516001)
51
Appendix 2a OPERATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk
Assessment
Service
Countryside and Parks owned and managed by
NNDC
Countryside and Parks
Date
20.11.15
Activity
District Assessment
Assessor(s)
Paul Ingham
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Public,
staff,
contract
ors
No trailing leads, or covered in buildings
General awareness, removing trip and slip
hazards, including entrances to buildings
General housekeeping and maintenance
Paths and hard
surfaces in formal
parks and open
spaces
Public,
staff,
contract
ors
Formal inspection twice a year for high
amenity and once a year for general amenity
areas as part of grounds maintenance
contract monitoring and ad-hoc informal
inspection (records kept)
Repairs implemented as necessary
Paths, hard
surfaces,
boardwalks etc in
woodland and
countryside sites
Public,
staff,
contract
ors
Monthly recorded inspections undertaken by
rangers
Repairs implemented as necessary
Natural and
unsurfaced paths,
public rights of
way
Public,
staff,
contract
ors
Monthly recorded inspections undertaken by
rangers
Repairs implemented as necessary
ad hoc shortcuts
Public
No formal inspection or maintenance
Problem areas blocked or allowed to grow
over
Fallen trees and
branches
Staff
Public
Trees adjacent to public areas inspected and
maintained to a high standard – failures
minimised
Specialist tree surgeon contracted
Waterside –
ponds, rivers etc
Staff
Public
Avoid unseen hazards (deep water near
gathering points, uneven surfaces)
Slips, trips and
falls
General
52
Further
Action
Required
Justification
Findings to
be
discussed
at weekly
team
meetings
To avoid
oversights
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Further
Action
Required
Life ring at Holt Country Park
No controls at Thwaite Common inaccessible
Steps
Staff
Public
Regular inspection – monthly and annual (as
above)
Tower at Holt Country Park inspected by
Renosteel quarterly – remedial works as
appropriate
Ditches
Staff
Public
Keep ditch free flowing and not overgrown
Lynfield Rd and Manor Road North Walsham
– regular maintenance in residential area.
Thwaite Common – minimal maintenance inaccessible
staff
Edge protection
Handrail to all steps up tower.
Monthly inspection, repairs via Property
services and contractor
Periodic structural inspection by Property
Services
Falls from
height
Observation
tower
Holt Country
Park high
level use
Replaceme
nt as this
feature is
reaching
the end of
its life.
(capital bid
for
replacemen
t submitted
Sept 2013)
Regular
informal
inspections
High level work
staff
No climbing permitted
Safe use of ladders instruction
Ladder and steps inspected before each use.
Only used for short duration work (20mins)
Ladders and
stepladders
staff
Staff instructed in safe use of ladders and
stepladders
Ladders inspected before and after use
Ladders set up in stable position.
Ladders securely footed and/or tied in.
53
Justification
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Further
Action
Required
Justification
Colleague to stand at bottom if added
security required.
Do not overreach.
Maintain three points of contact for stability.
Do not climb over 2m in strong wind
Falling objects
Building disrepair
Flagpole
Tree failure
Environmental
Hazards
Extreme issues
Flooding
High winds –
woodlands
Staff
public
Regular inspection
Maintenance / repair contract via Property
Services
Signage
Staff
public
Staff
public
Annual inspection to ensure secure
Formal and informal tree survey
Regular inspection and routine management
Protect at risk areas
Specialist contractor surveys trees every 18
months – remedial action taken
Remove dangerous trees
Rangers trained to identify dangerous
situations. Survey on daily basis as part of
general duties.
 See NNDC Tree policy
Trees within
falling
distance of
designated
paths, private
property,
roads car
parks.
Gathering
points
inspected
and
maintained to
a higher
standard
than where
the likelihood
of damage /
injury is low
Staff
public
Affected
areas
closed off
to public
with
barriers
and signs
Staff
public
Affected
areas
closed off
to public
with
barriers
54
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Further
Action
Required
Justification
and signs
Hot weather
(Heat exhaustion,
sunburn)
Opportunity to take breaks in shade
Take cold drinks
Staff aware about risks of sun burn
(sunscreen available)
Poisonous
plants and wild
animals
Public,
dogs
Warning / educational notices about specific
plants and animals in relevant areas e.g.
adders , weever fish (advance info for
organised events)
Remove or control invasive and poisonous
plants e.g. Giant Hogweed
Zoonoses
Leptospirosis
E. coli
Staff
and
public
Warning / educational notices about specific
zoonoses.
Hand washing facilities at events.
Cleansing materials (hand gels) available
during group activities
Good hygiene practices
Dog fouling bins and signs
General waste bins at meeting points
Machinery
equipment and
vehicles
Agricultural
(tractors,
chainsaws etc)
Strimmer and
brushcutter
Staff
and
public
Only trained and certificated persons to
operate equipment.
Refresher training every 2-3 years, to
maintain competence.
Equipment serviced and maintained by
competent and trained operatives.
PPE must be worn – generally footwear,
gloves goggles and hearing protection.
Usual transport hazard warning signs in
areas of high activity
Work site sectioned off with barriers and
warning signs.
Paths rerouted where practicable
Refer to manual handling guidance to avoid
upper limb and back injuries.
Chainsaws,
brushcutters etc.
As
above
Trained and certificated to minimum of CS30
NPTC & C&G
Refresher training every 2-3 years
No climbing trees (ladders used only for short
duration only with assistance.
No lone working
PPE to include eye, hearing and leg
protection with boots, gloves and hard hat.
(see indg317)
Large scale work contracted out with site
cordoned off and paths diverted.
55
Fence off
forestry
work
Temporary
warning
signs
Noise of
agricultural
activities
obvious in
immediate
vicinity.
Onus on
workers for
safe working
practices
Hazard
Existing Controls
Brushcutter,
strimmer
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
As
above
Mini tractor and
mower
As
above
Trained and competent operators for use of
equipment and attachments.
Remove keys when leaving equipment.
Use only with extreme caution on steep
slopes in accordance with training.
Use approved ramps to load onto trailer.
Knapsack
sprayer
As
above
Trained to NPTC PA1 & PA6
Gloves, eye protection and face mask must
be worn
Stop spraying in windy conditions or near
members of public or other persons.
see also CoSHH assessment
Generators
Staff
Instruction provided in accordance with
maufacturers guidance
Maintainded by competent engineer
Not to be used in confined space –
ventilation for exhaust fumes
Two persons required to lift portable
generator (manual handling assessment)
Hand tools
Staff
User group
conflicts
Walkers
Dogs
Cyclists
Horses
Neighbours
Skateboarders
Public
Dogs
Wildlife
Inspect tools before use – repair or replace
defective equipment.
Appropriate tool used for job in hand
Tools kept clean and sharp
Care to be taken of blades and cutting edges
Instruction provided to new operatives
Volunteers under supervision
PPE to be worn where appropriate (eg
gloves, eye protection)
Segregate work area from public or be
mindful of their presence.
Designated areas (skateboard parks)
Dogs on leads in certain areas
Careful management and forethought to
avoid overuse by one interest group at the
expense of others
Avoid rapid changes that cause discontent
Colour coded map in Holt Country Park
Site furniture –
disrepair
All
Further
Action
Required
Justification
NNDC H&S
officer to
undertake
new CoSH
assessmen
t
imminently
To maintain
adequate
control
Information
notices in
segregated
areas.
Room for
everyone
with sensible
management
If area cannot be cordoned off, awareness of
proximity to members of public and stopping
to allow them to pass – no lone working
Eye and face protection must be worn (boots
standard)
Maintenance programme for seats in formal
areas
56
Designated
routes
signposted.
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Gates and stiles
Seating
Existing Controls
Monthly inspection of fixtures in countryside
and woodlands
Fence set back to prevent accidental contact
Warning signs every 10m
Only top wire electrified
Electrocution
Electric fences –
Thwaite Common
All
Vehicular
movement
Car parks,
access points
General
public or
any
nonvehicula
r traffic
Car parks clearly signed and demarcated
Separate designated walkways from vehicles
– fixed barriers/fencing or informal
obstructions
Vehicles and
trailer
As
above
Stationary vehicles have keys removed and
brakes applied.
Trailer wheels chocked if on uneven or
sloping ground
Appropriate license to be held by operative.
Instruction in use of trailer.
Cuts, abrasions
and needlestick
injuries
General activities
Litter picking
Gloves to be worn when picking litter and
sharps. Litter picking tool to be used as much
as possible.
Regular inspection and picking to reduce
exposure.
Reduce litter by public information and
regular emptying of bins.
Sharps box for safe containment of sharps.
Appropriate storage and removal of refuse.
Risk areas (e.g, Pill boxes) inspected
regularly (or prevent access)
Hazardous
substances
Fuel storage,
pesticides
CoSHH assessment.
PPE provided and must be worn
Storage secured, restricting access to
authorised operatives (camouflaged)
Store maintained in tidy condition.
Minimal quantities kept in store, using only
approved and properly labelled containers
57
Further
Action
Required
Justification
Handling
possible
power
surge
Determine
current and
likely cause
of injury.
Regularly
inspect
signage for
damage
and effect
repairs. (by
Rangers
every
quarter –
see
records)
Containment
of livestock
at Thwaite
Common
NNDC H&S
officer to
undertake
new CoSH
assessmen
t
imminently
To maintain
adequate
control
Hazard
Who
might
be
harmed
& How
Particip
ants
Existing Controls
Fire
Forest / Heath
fires
Fuel storage
Visitors
Yellow fire hydrants
Bins for rubbish, emptied regularly by
contractor (either weekly or upon request)
Inspect at risk areas for fire hazards - remove
debris in high risk areas
Manage sites
Wood burning
stove
Staff
and
visitors
Operatives instructed in use
No access for public – surrounded by mesh
cage
Fire not to be banked up or encouraged
1hour prior to closing)
When closing building stove checked to
ensure no risk of fire started through heat
conduction or sparks.
Combustibles not placed next to stove
Fire detection and sprinklers(?) in building
Lone working
Personal safety
Staff
Staff do not work alone where possible and
certainly not when using power equipment
Other staff know where others are working
‘Skyguard’ personal safety system in use.
Welfare
Staff
PPE includes wet weather clothing, to keep
warm and dry.
Access to visitor Centre when weather
prevents work
Access to cold or warm drinks.
Sunblock available in summer
Group Activities
Trips and falls
Getting lost
Child protection
Injuries from
vegetation /
insects etc.
Zoonoses
Weather
Injuries from
equipment
Further
Action
Required
Justification
Qualified leader
Adequate supervision of children
Parents to be responsible for children
Advice and information provided prior to
activity.
CRB checks for those taking activities for
children
58
Warning
signs
Educational
/
information
for public.
Draft fire
plan
Not used
often.
Appendix 2b EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk Assessment
Service
Date
Activity
Assessor(s)
Hazard
Slips, trips
and falls
Footpaths
(natural and
man-made),
fallen
branches,
steps, ditches
etc
Poisonous
plants and
wild animals
Activities
Countryside & Parks
20/11/15
Organised events, activities and Ranger led
visits
Annie Katnoria and Paul Ingham
Who might
be harmed
& how
Existing Controls
Further Action
Required
Justification
Visitors and
Rangers
Pre activity site check, mark /
sign routes and diversions.
Participants advised of
possible hazards in advance of
and/or immediately prior to
event, and advice on
appropriate outdoor wear.
Advise on appropriate
behaviour.
Enforced by Rangers, teachers
and parents.
(see department general risk
assessment)
Maintain regular site
inspections and
actions (see general
risk assessment)
Regular on-going
management of sites
(see general risk
assessment)
Visitors (cuts,
bites,
abrasions
leadings to
infections
and ill health)
Participants advised of
potential hazards in advance
and/or immediately prior to
event.
Warning / educational
information about specific
plants and animals provided in
advance and at time of activity.
Advise appropriate behaviour
and outdoor wear
Wildlife with potential to harm,
handled only by trained expert
or rangers.
Children / asn to be supervised
by their parent/supervisor at all
times.
Ranger/trained expert to give
instructions on how to study,
survey wildlife appropriately.
First Aid kit carried
Exhibitors / event holders
requested to visit site prior to
event to assess risks. NNDC
staff to advise.
Identification,
marking and control
of poisonous plants
(see general risk
assessment)
On-going and regular
assessment and
management of sites
59
Additional training for
staff
Assess staff level in
advance
Hazard
Who might
be harmed
& how
Existing Controls
Zoonoses
Leptospirosis
E. coli
Staff and
visitors
Warning / educational
information about specific
zoonoses given prior to event.
Good hygiene practices stated
to all, particularly at meals.
Hand washing facilities or
cleansing materials (hand
gels) available at events.
Cuts and grazes covered,
particularly when working /
studying near water.
Dog fouling bins and signs
General waste bins at meeting
points
Equipment
and tools
Staff and
visitors
Instruction provided to
participants on safe use and
operation
Children /asn under
supervision at all times.
Inspect tools before use –
repair or replace defective
equipment.
Appropriate tool or equipment
used for job in hand
Tools kept clean and sharp
Care to be taken of blades and
cutting edges
PPE provided and to be worn
where appropriate (eg gloves,
eye protection)
Materials from approved stock
Maintain supervision
of activity for damage
and misuse.
Remove and
deactivate defective
equipment.
Few tools used.
Events run on basis
of adequate child
supervision
Environment
al Hazards
Extreme
weather
issues
All
Weather conditions monitored
in advance of event.
Event / activity stopped by
Rangers if weather likely to be
or become hazardous (eg
lightning, high winds heavy
rain)
Advice on appropriate clothing
prior to event
Parents / supervisors
responsible for children/asn
Remove damaged trees,
debris etc prior to event.
Treat ice or snow where
necessary.
Event cancelled or
reduced in scale if
weather too severe
Safety of children
and other
participants – site
conditions may
deteriorate.
60
Further Action
Required
Justification
Prevent sickness,
including food
poisoning
Hazard
Who might
be harmed
& how
Existing Controls
Transport
Moving
vehicles, car
parks
Staff and
visitors
Ensure parking arrangements
free from external hazards.
(Ranger to monitor and
manage large events)
Participants responsible for
own parking (monitored)
Footpaths keep pedestrians
away from traffic as best
possible.
Monitor car park and act where
dangers are likely to arise,
through overcrowding or
dangerous parking
Missing
Person(s)
Individual
visitors
Prepare maps /
guidance for events
Generally small
areas covered.
Children supervised
and known paths
used.
Child
Protection
All resulting
from abuse
or false
allegation
Children under adult
supervision
Guidance / directions / maps
given for activity if required.
(Maps available from HCP and
BW)
Use only authorised paths
wherever possible.
All walks are way-marked and
checked before use.
Last person in group identified;
each participant seen back.
Rangers carry mobiles.
All children/asn supervised by
parent / supervisor, who are
advised of responsibilities in
advance
All relevant staff have CRB
check – enhanced level
Events properly staffed at all
times.
General,
miscellaneous
All
Rangers have mobile phone at
all times
Where dogs permitted at
events, participants requested
to keep on lead.
Advance notice where dogs
restricted
Weekly sheet in office of staff
locations. Staff to be aware of
colleague general working
locations
Children /asn must be
supervised by an adult at all
times – advance notice to
parents / supervisors
First Aid kit carried at all times
Changes to working
schedule to be
reported between
managers and
rangers
Relatively small
managed sites used.
61
Further Action
Required
Justification
See general risk
assessment.
Hazard
Who might
be harmed
& how
Existing Controls
– Ranger involved in activity to
hold current first aid certificate
62
Further Action
Required
Justification