Introduction

Owned by Farnham Town Council, the Middle Bourne Lane Community Garden has been managed for about 10 years through a strong partnership between the town and dedicated local residents. Although it remains as a small, attractive open space, it is undoubtedly true that maintenance has fallen off in recent years so that its full potential is not currently being realised.

In recent months, with the support of council staff, the Bourne Conservation Group has joined forces with residents from the immediate area to halt the decline in the site. Initial efforts have been devoted to essential clearance operations and to drawing up a longer term plan for the future.

BCG has drawn up a plan to rejuvenate the Middle Bourne Lane Community Garden as a green haven for residents and wildlife.

Description of site

Approximately 30m square and located on the edge of the steep Bourne valley, the site is south facing with a good outlook. Across the main area there is a gentle slope southwards which becomes steeper towards the boundary. It is well provided with mixed trees and shrubs which are largely unmanaged. The central area consists of rough grass with some spring flowering bulbs and evidence of wild flowers. The overall layout is shown in the sketch plan overleaf.

No detailed wildlife survey has been undertaken but there is no doubt the site does provide excellent habitats for native species. Common garden birds are in evidence and there are some nest boxes installed. Foxes and badgers are reported and there is definite evidence of roe deer nibbling shrubs. Some bat boxes are installed. Bees and other insects are commonly seen.

Work already completed

It was apparent in early Spring 2007 that the site would benefit from some basic clearance work before the bird nesting season and that this would enable a better assessment to be made for the future. Therefore, after careful consideration with council staff, the following tasks were undertaken in April 2007:

- Collection of litter including some heavier items

- Raking up autumn leaves and beginning to form a composting area and log piles as insect habitats

- Cutting back some invasive laurel and thinning out other dominant shrubs

- Removal of fallen fence panels and liaison with the neighbouring landowner

A second session took place on Sunday 13th May at which similar tasks were undertaken.

BCG on the job, April 2007

In parallel with these successful ventures in which BCG volunteers and local residents took part, a series of consultations with conservation professionals has taken place. With their help this outline plan has been drawn up and agreed with the local residents.

Middle Bourne Lane - sketch plan

Basis of plan

The plan is designed to retain the area as a community asset in which residents or passers-by can enjoy some quiet relaxation. This objective is linked to the encouragement of wildlife and so the amended title Community Wildlife Garden is proposed.

The achievement of this will be through a gentle change of emphasis rather than any major clearance or construction. A balance will be struck between what is good for wildlife and what humans tend to aspire to in a garden. Nature tolerates and indeed thrives in unkempt conditions whereas human beings like a degree of order and management.

In view of the history of this site and its location no great conflict is foreseen in achieving this balance. In so doing it is hoped to make a small contribution to the cause of biodiversity in the local area. In this context the project should be viewed in conjunction with other local projects and what can also be achieved by individuals in their private gardens.

Elements of plan

The elements of the plan, all agreed with residents and council staff, are itemised in the following paragraphs supported by the sketch plan overleaf.

Development of existing layout

The intention is to use the existing framework of trees and shrubs with no thought of major disruption. Some unwanted specimens, including small sycamores, will be removed and the massive laurels along the southern flank thinned out while still preserving a screen.

Progressively this format, making use of the slight changes in ground contours and existing planting, will be developed into four garden “rooms” as follows:

- Southern Room. The southern area will be treated as a woodland glade enhanced by planting woodland species such as primroses, anemones and English bluebells.

- Eastern Room. The east is the lowest part of the site and this will be developed as a wildlife area with a small pond, bog garden and appropriate aquatic plants. See below for details of the pond.

- Central Room. At present the central area is rough grass with isolated shrubs. This will become a wildlife area by planting or seeding with meadow flowers with the shrubs developed into groups favouring birds, butterflies and bees

- Western Room. The west end is the highest part of the site and contains a picnic table and benches. This will be retained as an area with plants and shrubs more favoured by human beings such as daffodils, crocuses and some non-native shrubs.

Sketch plan showing proposed new features

Introduction of a pond

This site, and the Bourne generally, is very dry due to the sandy subsoil. Therefore the introduction of a source of water will be of enormous value to wildlife as well as being appealing to residents.

What is proposed is a moderately-sized pond of maximum depth 3ft in the centre with gently sloping sides facilitated by a flexible liner protected by a suitable underlay. This will be extended to support a small bog garden at the southern end.

Council staff have confirmed that necessary safety aspects can be covered by installation of a robust gate to the site along with warning notices.

It is hoped to fill the pond from natural supplies (with the help of Waverley BC) and to keep it topped up with rainwater by drainage pipes and an underground French drain. This scheme will require liaison with SCC Highways and a neighbouring house owner.

An initial study of pipe and cable maps has shown nothing under the site. However, a catscan kindly carried out by Surrey CC has indicated the possible existence of power cables. Therefore further checks are being conducted with the possibility of a carefully dug trial trench to produce conclusive evidence. It is hoped to disperse the sandy soil arising from this work around the site thus avoiding the need for a skip.

Footpaths

A curving, grassy footpath around the periphery of the site will be created. This will descend into the low-lying area in the south to which further interest will be added by the introduction of rustic steps.

Screening

The green screen around the site will be developed to provide further shelter for wildlife and to increase the secluded atmosphere of the site for visitors. Particular objectives will be to:

- Increase screening from the road by enhancing the existing hawthorn hedge including replacement of the dead trees in the west. Options include a second hedge line inside the present one or the inclusion of small trees such as rowans.

- This effect to be complimented by removing the existing ugly concrete gate posts to make way for timber posts supporting a wooden pedestrian gate of the type used at the RSPB Farnham Heath site. This gate opens both ways and is thus useful for any wheelchair visitors.

- Increase screening from the house to the east by enhancing the existing lilac and birch planting

- Hiding the wooden fence to the south and the new fence forecast for the western side.

Planting

Within the concepts described above new planting will in general aim to be:

- Wildlife friendly

- Good on rather poor sandy soil

- Drought resistant

- Attractive to humans by reason of all-year colour (including some evergreen) and scent

Very few plants meet all of these criteria but BCG has lists of plants according to their various characteristics and some experience of which ones do well in local conditions.

Compost area

A three bay compost area will be constructed against (but not touching) the southern fence in an unobtrusive spot thus supporting the idea of recycling for the benefit of improving soil condition and fertility.

Miscellaneous features

The following additional features will be incorporated;

- Existing bird boxes cleaned and refurbished in the autumn

- Habitat boxes for insects introduced along with bury-buckets for stag beetles

- A lectern display panel on a natural post (already kindly provided by RSPB) for the benefit of visitors

- Log piles and a rubble pile to provide shelter for insects and small mammals or invertebrates

- Possibly moving the existing Farnham plaque to a slightly different position

Timetable

The objective is to complete most of the work described above by the end of 2007. This will depend on the availability of funding and some external factors. Thereafter most activity will be maintenance. As noted previously, two work sessions (a session defined as a half day) took place in April and May 2007.

None of the more significant tasks (such as installation of the gate or construction of the pond) will be undertaken until this plan has been agreed by Farnham Town Council at the appropriate level. It is hoped this will be attained through the newly-elected council in June 2007. This would enable stores to be ordered and work to recommence in the period from June to December 2007. A major consideration will be the necessity of undertaking most planting before the end of 2007 so as to show results in 2008. Some activities may, of course, be affected by weather conditions.

Management

Good, positive management with clear lines of responsibility are essential if the site is to be developed and maintained to its full potential. Since it is a community wildlife garden, a vital element is the active participation of local residents. Good results will be best achieved by close cooperation between Farnham town council, the local residents and the Bourne Conservation Group with responsibilities as follows:

• Farnham Town Council

- Overall responsibility for the site

- Public Health and safety aspects

- Assistance with maintenance as required

- Liaison with other authorities eg, SCC highways

- Possible contribution to funding (see para 29 below)

• Local Residents

- Providing elected representation on management committee

- Assistance on project tasks

- Maintenance, with assistance from Farnham and BCG as required

- “Policing” the site in such matters as behaviour, fly tipping or litter

• The Bourne Conservation Group

- Project management through an already nominated project manager

- Provision of conservation expertise (with external advice as required)

- Applications for project funding plus accounting for all expenditure

- Volunteer labour for project work reinforced as necessary (eg tree felling if ever required)

Coordination to be exercised through a management committee chaired by an elected local resident. The committee to meet at least twice a year.