This project will provide a wide range of access improvements within and around the Belstead Brook Park (BBP) area on the south western edge of Ipswich.  BBP is a large informal country park on the edge of large residential areas and surrounding Thorington Park - a 1000 home development currently nearing completion. BBP is accessible to thousands of local people without the need for car travel.  The project aims to improve access and will deliver new and improved pathways through nature reserves and high quality countryside, featuring a timber boardwalk, footbridge and wildlife viewing tower. Directional signage throughout the park and from the surrounding residential areas will be supported with a promotional leaflet.  The project aims to contribute to National Biodiversity Action Plan targets for habitats and species. 

Project Scope

This project will include a considerable amount of on-site improvements, the majority of which will be ideally suited to involving the local community in direct practical action.  The volunteer community study will examine possibilitieis for a series of redundant farm buildings and develop designs but will not include implementation at this stage.

Aim of the Project

• 3300m of path surfacing
• 50m raised timber boardwalk
• A new timber footbridge
• 100m fencing
• Directional signage to and within the park area
• 5000 copies of a leaflet
• Wildlife viewing platform
• Biodiversity enhancements
• Volunteer involvement
• Detailed study and plan/design for a community volunteer and training centre

Outcomes

• Number of additional users: 3050
• Increase in accessible natural greenspace: yes
• Improvement of strategic access routes: no
• Enhancements to habitats, the historic environment, distinctive landscape character: yes

Status

Funding for 2009/10 £76,000

Funding for 2010/11 £88,000

IDP Package: Green Infrastructure

Status as at 30 June 2009

• Path construction at Bobbits Lane meadows is well underway.
• Boardwalk in Ashground Plantation is under construction.
• Biodiversity survey has been commissioned and is underway.
• Wetlands work in Bobbits Lane meadows being discussed by relevant partners.

Status as at 30 September 2009

Status as at 31 December 2009

• Belstead Meadows path surfacing and access works underway.
• Leaflet research and design underway.
• Bobbit Lane LNR wetland management works completed.
• Volunteer input has continued to be significant with 56 volunteer days being given to the works on the ground.

Status as at 30 March 2010:

• Leaflet delayed due to waiting for painted artwork for main map.
• Directional signage has been started at the western end of the park.
• Access management works throughout Belstead Brook Park have been very well received by local people.
• Wetlands management works at Bobbits Meadow has been very uccessful and already attracting a wide range of birds.
• Volunteers have helped with the installation of dams and water control structures to help manage water levels throughout the year.

Status as at 30 June 2010:

• Bel Meadows path surfacing has been largely completed.
• Directional signage plan complete for part of Belstead Brook Park.
• The project has continued to involve local people and gain positive comments from residents.
• Early signs indicate that the wetland improvement plans in Bobbits Lane Meadows have been successful with wildlife and people responding positively.
• Due to the loss of some Growth Point funding for 2010/11, the preparation of a brief for the volunteer centre has been abandoned.
• Progress on the directional signage and leaflet is behind schedule.
• Some access improvements have been delayed due to earlier bad weather

 Status as at 30 September 2010:

• Due to the late funding decision from CLG for the 2010/11 grant, the planned milestones for this quarter have not been carried out.   However, now that funding has been confirmed, it will be possible to work swiftly to bring the planned tasks to fruition.