Denton Brook
Background Information
The area bounded by Northampton Road, the Cemetery, Bridge Meadow and the A428 by-pass has been an important wildlife habitat for many years.
Over the past 25 years, several species of flowering plant and grasses have been lost to the uncontrolled spread of nettles, cleavers (goose grass) and, more recently, hogweed. The loss of plant species results in the loss of the animal and insect life that feed and breed on them
Such has been the spread of these anti-social plants that access from Northampton Road and the path from Bridge Meadow is greatly restricted for much of the year. Coupled with erosion of the bank on the Bridge Meadow side of the brook, few but the more adventurous members of the community have been able to enjoy the wonders of this tranquil spot, particularly from May to October.
From late Spring to early Autumn the brook is often nothing more than a dry river bed for most of its length but can become a raging torrent in the Winter and following long periods of rainfall.
It is hoped that the area will become a designated Pocket Park under the Parish Council enjoying the benefit of support from the County Council with organisations such as the Wildlife Trust providing a full management plan ensuring the area has a sound ecological base to build on that will benefit both the wildlife and the community.
Minutes of Denton Brook Working Party
Denton Parish Council – Denton Brook Working Group
Notes of Meeting 4
8th July 2010 at 8 Wareing Lane, Denton.
Present:
Alan Addison (Chair), Karen Addison (Notes), Dan Pollard, Peter Terry, Val Matthews
Actions from previous meeting:
The Risk Register was reviewed and all agreed that it would be an ongoing document that would be added to as the project commenced.
Danny gave an excellent presentation of the results of the public meeting with a list of questions to be answered.
The main agenda item was the creation and start of the Denton Brook Feasibility Study. This was discussed in some depth but the following was agreed:
- It was agreed that some expense would be incurred during this phase but as agreed by the Parish Council there is some limited funding available.
- The scope and reference of the study would be as follows:-
To use the existing proposed plan as the basis for the study.
To understand how to deliver the Wild Life Park in terms of time scales, costs and ongoing management.
To initiate an independent whole site survey of the flora and fauna of the proposed site as it is now, and to produce an independent impact statement.
To identify customers and stakeholders.
To initiate a survey looking at the ground type and stability.
To produce a plan of construction and costs based on existing proposal/s.
- It was agreed that the target date for the feasibility study would be end of September.
ACTIONS:
| NUMBER | ACTION |
| JUL/01 | Peter Terry to contact the Wild Life Trust to obtain a quote for a Wild Life Survey and impact statement, also to provide advice on longer term management. |
| JUL/02 | Alan to email Peter details of the wild life trust and contacts. |
| JUL/03 | Alan and Karen to work on a list of stake holders and customers, this will be an ongoing action. |
| JUL/04 | Alan to contact Architect (Toby Pateman) to conduct survey of proposed path and ground. |
| JUL/05 | Dave Whitmore to look into costs of materials and resources. |
| JUL/06 | Angus Calin to provide short statement concerning all aspects of security. |
| JUL/07 | All – Regards project, what is critical and what is a “nice to have”. |
| JUL/08 | Danny and Val to investigate and recommend a better way of communicating to the village |
Peter Terry mentioned that a large number of people had come to him to object to Denton Brook.
There being no other business the meeting was closed.
End