Boxley Parish Council  

Results of the 2010 public consultation on Round Wood.  

1.      General summary (a background note on the history of this consultation is at appendix C).  

1.1    2,332 questionnaires were distributed – 1,490 in Boxley Parish (North Ward) and 816 to neighbouring properties in Tonbridge & Malling and Medway. Questionnaire also placed on the Parish website and copies in the Walderslade Village library.  

1.2    196 responses received. Submissions also received from the Walderslade Woods Group (appendix A) and Aylesford Parish Council (appendix B).  

1.3    Value of the woods for recreation and wildlife1 re   cognised by all responders. Many use the woods for relaxation2 and keeping fit3 and also families take visitors into the woods for a walk or to entertain the children. But clear support (82%) for more ‘activities’4.  

1.4    Woods extremely popular with dog walkers5.  Numerous complaints about dog fouling – some from dog-owners. A dog agility course and/or a dedicated dog walking area suggested.  

1.5    A number of adults play in the woods with their children6. Consultation with children at a local school confirmed that they welcomed the woods as a place that they could play with their parents.  

1.6    Strong support for play equipment (78%) 7. Currently, many families drive out of the area due to lack of local and accessible facilities.  Strong preference (82%) for scattered pieces of equipment adjacent to the valley footpaths rather than a single dedicated play area on the plateaus or elsewhere.  

1.7    Many responders already use the woods to keep fit.  Considerable support (63%) for an outdoor gym8.  

1.8    Disabled and less mobile members of the public regard the woods as inaccessible. Strong support (85%) for improved access for everyone9, e.g. hard surfaced paths and steps up muddy banks.  

1.9    Response to suggestion of a BMX cycle track roughly 50:50 10.  Many want assurances that motorbikes or quad-bikes would not have access because of noise and health and safety issues.  

1.10 Strong support for guide/interpretation leaflets (89%)11 and community events (86%)12. Responders living over the Parish boundary had less knowledge of the woods (probably because they do not receive the Council’s monthly newsletter).  Ignorance of where the paths led and that the public had access were 1 of the top 3 issues that attracted comments.  

1.11 Majority (67%) against commercial activities in the woods13.  

1.12 Overall, the community clearly values highly, and wishes to preserve, the natural aspect of the woods. Within this constraint, 64% want the provision of improved facilities and accessibility.  16% categorically wish to see no change whatsoever.  

2.  2010 response/comments.  

2.1 The public consultation closed on the 6^th June 2010 , approximately 4 responses were accepted after this date as the summary report had not yet been started.  Distribution started at the end of April and was completed by the middle of May.  On 6^th May 2010 there was a display at Beechen Hall which is the polling station for the local community. Councillors and the Clerk were available during the day to answer any questions and free tea and coffee was supplied for residents.  

2.2 Boxley Parish Council delivers a monthly newsletter to the properties within its boundary and it had used this to keep its residents updated on the woods and proposals.  It was recognised that the residents within the Tonbridge and Malling and Medway areas would probably not be so will informed and an additional explanation was enclosed with their questionnaires.  These residents were invited to contact/visit the parish office to obtain further information/inspect maps etc. and a number took up this invitation with visits lasting on average 30 minutes.  Delivery of questionnaires was undertaken in 2 parts.  Boxley parish properties received their questionnaires with their monthly newsletter. Deliveries to properties outside the parish were undertaken after the delivery of the newsletters.  Thus, it is safe to predict that, any questionnaires returned before the 2^nd batch of deliveries took place could only be from Boxley residents, this unplanned and informal ‘segregation’ has highlighted some issues concerning lack of access to information to non Boxley residents and these issues are included in the following analysis.  

Quotes taken from responders are shown in italics.  

3. Summary of responses.  

3.1 The statistical analysis of the responses received was (to maintain consistency) undertaken by a single person (the Parish Clerk) over 2 days. She used common sense and the ‘reasonable approach’ which bases a decision/judgment on what would be considered reasonable by an independent and right minded member person with no preconceived views or ideas.  This judgment was used in deciding whether a responder was for change, against change or it wasn’t clear (see relevant section).  

4. General comments.  

4.1 It was extremely interesting to see how the responder related to his/her family.  Some responders replied in the singular whilst others replied for the family.  Unless the responder indicated how many he/she was responding on behalf of only 1 vote was recorded.  Some responders answered as a family (never completing the ‘you’ section) whilst others indicated that the family was keeping fit in the woods but they weren’t. 

4.2 Many comments were made along the lines of ‘not knowing the woods were there’ and ’didn’t know we could use them’.  These were most frequently in the responses received after the Medway and Tonbridge and Malling areas were delivered to “Have only just started to use the woods (within last 2 years have lived near the woods for 22 years!)

4.3 A Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator raised concern that any development/management of the woods would reduce the security of properties backing onto the woods.

4.4 Comments were received about needing to get Village Green Status invoked.

4.5 Six responses were received from people who, although there was no specific question asked, identified themselves as disabled, partially disabled or who knew/lived with someone who was disabled. One person responded “I haven’t returned the questionnaire as as a disabled person I haven’t used the woods at all. If there are pathways on which a mobility scooter or a wheelchair could be safely used I would of course consider it.”

4.6 The following is a statistical analysis of the number of responses received to a question, where relevant a summary of other related issues raised by residents or information that might be helpful is included. 

5.  Section 1.  Do you use the woodlands and plateau if so what for (tick those that apply).

5.1

5.2 The value of the woods for this type of use is quite clear.  Many responders who did not want any change expressed concern that the value of the woods for relaxation and mediation would be compromised by change. “Would like the woods to stay as natural as possible”. 

5.3

5.4 The use of the area for keeping fit is supported by the response to the fitness programmes question (also see the response to the walking question).

Many comments were made about wishing to use the woods more but having concern about safety/not wishing to walk alone and not knowing where the footpaths led to. Requests were made for

5.5 Some members of the public perceive that the woods are unsafe and would benefit from lights on the footpaths, the majority of these views related to or came from the elderly and women.  The Parish Council receives monthly reports on reported crimes within the parish and these and the Medway and Maidstone Neighbourhood Watch alerts do not support this concern.  However there is a need to address these fears if more people are to be attracted to the woods.

5.6

5.7 The woods are extremely popular with dog walkers however there were numerous complaints about the dog fouling, need for dog waste bins and dogs not being kept under control.  The complaints were not just from non dog owners.

Dog fouling was one of the top 3 issues that attracted comments.

5.8

5.9 The value of the woods for its wildlife was commented on by numerous responders.  It was clear from the comments that the wildlife was enjoyed by all aspects and age ranges of the community.  Many responders commented that they were grandparents and used the woods when visited by their grandchildren. They enjoyed the exercise and wildlife and the interaction that these allowed with their grandchildren.

5.10 The consultation with the school children clearly showed that they valued the woods for the wildlife and natural feel but they also wanted to play there.

5.11

5.12 Some of the responders saw ‘walking’ and included the fact that they walked in the woods and it was not quite clear if they meant walking to the schools or walking for enjoyment which probably accounts for most of the 34 ‘you’ votes.

The Tunbury Primary School Walking Bus uses woodland footpaths ending up on the KH32a footpath to access the school. Individual families also use this route.

5.13

5.14 Many responders commented on the way they visited the woods often with the adults walking whilst the children played.  However what was of interest was the number of adult responders that commented/remarked that they played in the woods with their children. The consultation morning with the school children also highlighted that they saw the woods as a place that they could play with their parents with many of the children asking for climbing ‘banks’/frames or slides being able to accommodate children and adults.

6. Section 2. Would you see more use of the woods if;

6.1

6.2 A clear indication of support.

6.3 There were suggestions that a dog agility course should be included in the areas.  These came from dog owners, who would enjoy the opportunity to use it, and non dog owners, who wanted an area that dog owners would be attracted to and which might encourage them to keep their dogs under control. An allocated dog walking route/area was also suggested to try to control/manage the dog fouling/free roaming dogs.

6.4 Walderslade Woods Group commented on the wild flower meadow suggestion contained within the consultation.  It was considered inappropriate for the area (see the Groups response at appendix A)

“Must admit did not realize how much there was to look at it is hidden away and overgrown”.

6.5

6.6 Outdoor gyms can only be successful in getting people fit if they are combined with other forms of exercise such as jogging or walking. Many responders identified that they already used the woods to keep fit and so this could prove a popular addition.

6.7

6.8 A clear support for play equipment. The map/plan supplied with the questionnaires did not show a formal play area and the impression obtained by the Parish Clerk was that the majority did not wish to see a large dedicated play area but would like some pieces of equipment scattered through the valleys.  Concern was raised that equipment would be vandalized. When talking to the school children they were receptive to the idea that they could discover equipment as they ventured into the woods however their ‘leaflet’ responses often referred to a large formal play area.

6.9 This question attracted some strong emotional replies amongst the ‘no’ responses. Some responders were totally against any play equipment being bought into the woods “Keep the woods as woods”. Some responders clearly saw that any changes to the current set up would encourage ‘thugs’, ‘vandals’ and would impact on the trees and wildlife. Other responders saw that it would be an improvement to have something for everyone as long as there was a balance between equipment and wildlife.

6.10 The responses can be summarised that it was generally families with children/grandchildren that wanted some play facilities included. Comments were made that this would stop them having to drive out of the area to find them.

6.11

6.12 Many comments were received that it was difficult to walk in the woods because paths were muddy or overgrown, banks couldn’t be climbed and that many paths were unsuitable for the elderly/less mobile. Clear support has been shown for improvements to make the woods more accessible.

6.13 There was a request for a bridle path and also a request that horses didn’t access the woods.  

6.14

6.15 Again the wildlife value of the woods has been identified.  

6.16

* includes 8 with the caveat that there would be some way to stop motor and quad bikes using it.  

6.17 This was 1 of the top 3 issues that attracted comments.

It was clear from the responses that there are many cyclists within the area.  Additional comments were mainly received from adult cyclists and families with small children who took them cycling in the woods.

6.18 Concern was raised by many responders about this type of track attracting motorbikes and there was also concern about the increase noise and disturbance from such a track.

Walderslade Woods has a fairly regular history of motorbikes coming into the woods and causing problems.  The Parish Council and Police, with information supplied by residents, are involved in trying to control this and up until now this have been ‘local’ bikes.  If a BMX bike route was supplied then responders wanted assurances that no motorbikes or quad bikes could/would use it.

6.19 Complaints were especially received about motorbikes in Tunbury Bottom and some responders identified that they were entering via KH441 (in the Aylesford Parish Council/Tonbridge and Malling area).  Bikes might also be entering via an entrance in Sherwood Avenue (Medway area and Woodlands. Entrances within the Boxley area have been installed with bike barriers and discussion will take place with the other authorities to see what action can be taken.  

6.20

6.21 Boxley Parish Council and the Walderslade Woods Group have produced leaflets for the 3 valleys, a Spring Walk leaflet, a bird leaflet, 3 woodland activity packs and a circular walk leaflet.  It is planned to update the Council’s web site with new software that will allow these to be downloaded.  Currently the leaflets are made available at the parish office which is at Wildfell Close at the southern end of the woods.  The Council’s newsletter has 2/3 articles every year reminding residents that they can be obtained and they have proved popular especially amongst grandparents who look after their grandchildren in the school holidays. “I think the more children are involved in community events the greater understanding they will have of the environment.  Therefore leaflets and community events are excellent”.  

6.22 Comments were received from responders, the majority of which probably live outside the parish boundary, which indicated that they did not know that these leaflets existed. Since attending the school fete at Tunbury School (Tonbridge and Malling area) there has been a rise in the number of non Boxley residents visiting the parish office asking for leaflets and activity packs. Boxley Parish Council has financed some of the leaflets directly and some have come from the Walderslade Woods Group grant supplied by Boxley Parish Council.  The finances therefore come from Boxley ratepayers and it is essential that where possible these leaflets are placed on the website.  

6.23 The lack of knowledge about where the paths led and that the woods could be used by everyone were 1 of the top 3 issues that attracted comments.  

6.24

* includes 3 not sure.  

6.25 Walderslade Woods Group arranged via the Community Festival to hold 2 guided walks and 34 people signed up for them. The activity packs for children (Trees, Mini beasts and Nature Detective) have proved popular with the residents as it gives children something different to do in the woods.  

6.26

*Includes 4 that included statements such as undecided/concerned/must have adequate car parking facilities provided.

6.27 It is clear that there is no support for commercial activities within the woods. Comments were received about the already problematic parking in the residential areas around the woods.

6.30 When asked to identify the most frequent uses the following were identified (in order of support).

You.                                                     Family

Keeping fit                                           Dog walking

Relaxation/meditation                         Relaxation/mediation, keeping fit, play (joint 2^nd)

Dog walking                                        Wildlife

Wildlife                                                            Walking to school/bus

Walking to school/bus

Play  

7. School children consultation.  

7.1 Two primary schools are located close to the woods ( Tunbury Primary School and Lordswood Primary School ). Both schools were contacted about the consultation and Lordswood Primary School took up the offer of a visit to have it explained.  Children from Tunbury Primary School live within the area and so would have been offered the opportunity to take part as they would have had questionnaires delivered to their homes.  

7.2 On 19^th May 2010 the Parish Clerk visited Lordswood Primary School and spent a morning with 2 classes holding a small group discussion session.  The consultation was incorporated into their school work and the children produced 58 leaflets to advertise attractions that they would like to see within the woods and these were delivered to the parish council.

The morning started with photographs of the woods being displayed and an explanation given on why a consultation was taking place and the importance of the woods for wildlife and people.  Many of the children lived close to the woods and the majority had visited and knew them.

There was a question and answer session followed by the children’s play time.  After this there was another informal chat/question session and then the children were split up into groups of approximately 4 with pens and a large piece of paper to do a brain storming session on what they wanted.  The Parish Clerk visited each group to look at the work and talk to the children.  Before the morning session ended each group appointed a representative to explain one good idea from their brain storming session to all the other groups The brain storming sheets were then used in other class sessions to produce the leaflets.  

7.3 What was clear from the morning was that the children valued the woods for the wildlife and play opportunities.  Many were very clear about the fact that wildlife had to be protected, litter should not be left but they all loved the idea of playing amongst nature. Quite a few children having visited other country parks spoke of the things that they had liked there and wanted to see in their woods.

7.4 Many children loved to climb trees but realized that the trees might get damaged so an idea suggested was that a climbing frame (with spider web sections) should be built around the tree so that it could be climbed without damaging it and children could pop their heads up into the branches to see what was going on.  They understood why during best nesting season this would not be a good idea and accepted that it would have to be closed off from use. The children were aware of the damage that lots of children could inadvertently caused by playing in the woods and their brain storming came up with ideas to protect the flowers such as balance beams or bridges across sensitive areas so that children didn’t accidentally step on the plants.  

7.5 Ideas for the woods ranged from the basic to the fantastic

·         a café/gift shop

·         play equipment (slides, rock climbing, climbing frames)

·         a pond

·         underground tunnels

·         bridges over paths and ponds

·         platforms amongst the trees/tree houses to visit

·         barbeque area

·         swings and family size swings

·         BMX bike area/ramps

·         log swings, balance beams and monkey bars

·         climbing ropes up the banks and slides down

·         cable cars (to help get to the higher plateaus)

·         skateboarding park

·         horse rides

·         assault course for children to follow whilst their parents walk on the paths.

·         nature trails

·         zip wires to play on and take you over bits where there are rare plants.

·         picnic areas

·         a climbing frame over and around a tree.

·         toilets

·         a warden, guided walks, Halloween walks etc.  

7.6 It was clear that quite a few children saw their parents enjoying the slides and rope climbing with them and they wanted to be able to actively play with their parents.

Many children commented on the dog mess and also need for dogs to be kept on leads.

One child requested that any outdoor gym equipment had child size as well as adult versions.  

8. For or Against?  

The main purpose of the consultation was to get an understanding/consensus of the needs/wishes of the community.   One resident criticised the Parish Council for not including a “Do you want change Yes/No” question. The Clerk undertook a reasonable judgment on whether the responder was generally in favour of the suggestions to produce the following result.  

125    Yes - wanted the majority of the suggestions/ideas identified in the questionnaire.  

  32    No - wanted no change to the current situation.  

  17    Maybe – wanted some changes but nothing drastic i.e. more leaflets but no fitness equipment.  Some community events but no play area.  

22       Can’t judge as not clear whether they were a Yes/No/maybe.

Appendix A.

The Walderslade Woodlands Group welcomes the Parish and County Councils’ ongoing support for and interest in the Woodland and their desire to ensure that the area continues to serve the local community’s needs for informal open space. We are fortunate to have an area so rich in natural beauty which provides a home for a wide variety of wildlife from dormice and hedgehogs to a rich and thriving bird community and year-round flora and fauna.

As a group we feel that the area would best serve the local community by being largely conserved in its current state of natural, but managed, woodland and open areas.  This document has been prepared by the committee of the group, in consultation with members, and we believe it is a fair representation of the views of most members.

We feel a priority should be to get Village Green status for all the woodland and plateaus, with the exception of the area off Wildfell Close, which we accept will be set aside for a small housing development to help fund the ongoing maintenance of the land. 

The Main Plateau area – that is bordered by the Walderslade Woods road - contains a large orchid area and there are several other areas where orchids can be seen. The plan to actively develop wild flower meadows is, we consider, largely inappropriate for these areas. The wildlife value is in the mixtures of tussocky grasses and herbage that have 'semi-naturally' covered the area. 

Throughout the woodland bluebells provide a magnificent display of “the Garden of England ” at its best. We believe these existing natural areas of flora and fauna should be protected. With continued minimal intervention these areas will thrive and provide points of interest throughout the year, together with supporting the diverse wildlife that already inhabits the area.

The natural screen provided by the banks of trees that separate the plateaus and other areas from the roads and motorway are important in providing visual backdrop to the areas, as well as screening them from noise and pollution. These banks will require woodland management (for example felling of overstood chestnut) to ensure that they regenerate and strengthen this important natural boundary.

The remainder of the plateaus could well be left more open by controlling tree and scrub growth to maintain the important woodland margin. 

The eastern-most plateau is quite wet in winter, but might be the most appropriate place to have a small play area near to Wildfell Close where it can be easily monitored. As a group we believe that any formal play areas developed “deeper” into the woodland would risk becoming a magnet for vandals, as have previous attempts to develop such sites. The existing trim trail could be “refurbished” and used by the many runners and joggers that currently use the wide path in the Cossington valley.

Actively encouraging the use of bikes in what is a relatively small and compact space is we feel inappropriate. Cycle trails will become rutted and hazardous. Such trails could also encourage motorcycles to use the woodland causing significant damage and much nuisance.

Interest in the woodland continues to grow with many more families enjoying walking and exercising in and around the area than was the case a few years ago.

The Walderslade Woodland Group is attracting new members and is keen to continue its role of conservation and management. We feel we have helped keep the woodland as natural as possible so that it is an inviting place for the many people who wish to spend time in an unspoilt natural habitat.

In conclusion, assuming the continued commitment to mostly conserve rather than "develop", after an initial injection of funds to tackle the overstood chestnut throughout the woodland, there is not a significant year on year need for works that would require major funding. Therefore with a windfall grant from the sale of the small area off Wildfell Close which is proposed for housing, and continued support from the Parish Council, the woodland and plateau areas could be managed comfortably in a low intervention mode and continue to provide an invaluable area for the local community and visitors; we should feel proud of the conservation work that we want to continue in these green areas we cherish.

Appendix B  

Response from Aylesford Parish Council  

WALDERSLADE WOODS PUBLIC CONSULTATION  

At a meeting of its Environmental Services Committee, Aylesford Parish Council agreed that the Walderslade Ward Councillors should respond to your questionnaire.  

We agree that a certain amount of management of the woods is necessary to encourage the development of flora and fauna and that paths should be improved to provide better access. We also agree with the suggestion of providing seats so that people can rest and enjoy the woodland scene.  

We would not object to the provision of a fitness trail and an area set aside for a children’s play area but we would not like to see the woods overdeveloped with equipment to the detriment of the natural environment.  

We are opposed to the provision of a dedicated BMX track as we feel this would encourage its use by motor cycles and other undesirable vehicles. Indeed one of the difficult problems which has not been mentioned is the exclusion of motor cycles ad quad bikes.

Appendix C.  

History.  

In the seventies the woodlands were compulsory purchased by Kent County Council and Walderslade Woodland development commenced.  The original development ideas included a school, minor shopping area, recreation areas etc.  None of these community facilities arrived and what was left was a heavily developed area, set in ancient woodlands, with an appalling lack of facilities.

In 1997 a draft management plan to manage the wood for the community was commissioned by Kent County Council but due to cutbacks it was never adopted and only health and safety work was undertaken.  

At one point the County Council suggested that the parish council (with no enabling budget) could take on ownership of the 3 valley’s land as the County Council did not want the financial liability.  The parish council was of the opinion that without a large financial package (which was not offered by the County Council) this was neither practical nor viable.  

In 2003/4 the parish council decided that the only way to rescue the woodlands from neglect and abuse was to become proactive and negotiate with the County Council.  From this the parish council set up a volunteer group (Walderslade Woods Group). For the past 3 years the parish council has allocated an annual budget (currently £5,468) to fund any work of the group.  

The parish council has long been quietly monitoring Round Wood as it had no protection.  In 2005 the Clerk notified the parish council that a change in the law meant that the area could be considered for village green status. The parish office was instructed to start to draft a village green application for consideration by the parish council.  Whilst this was being prepared the County Council contacted the parish office to inquire about the history of the land and to notify the parish council that the County Council was considering selling it. The community having been notified by the parish council of the situation demanded that the parish council stop the proposal.  The parish council therefore submitted an application for village green status and the County Council approached the parish council about a compromise.  A decision was taken to suspend the application to allow discussions.  

The County Council has clearly and publicly stated that it will not consider the area for a country park nor is it willing to increase any funding to allow active and proactive management.  

The County Council proposed development of a small area of land at Wildfell Close with 14 houses.  If successful ownership of the remaining woods with the ‘profit’ from the development would be passed to the parish council which would then set up a Charitable Trust to run the woods.  

A public consultation took place and this was included with the Kent County Council Planning application (MA/08/1235).  The application was refused by the local planning authority (Maidstone Borough Council), one of the reasons being “In the absence of a robust enabling development case, the proposed development would result in intrusion of permanent buildings, hardstanding and associated paraphernalia into an area of open grassland on this greenfield site thereby causing harm to the open character and appearance of the site contrary to policies QL1 and HP2 of the Kent and Medway Structure Plan (2006)”.  

A further public consultation took place in 2010.

Ref RW/2010 consultation report.  22/07/10

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Round Wood, Walderslade