Agenda item

The Superintendent of West Ham Park & City Gardens to be heard.

The Committee received a verbal update from the City Gardens Manager.  The following points were made –

Finance – The City Garden’s budget is in line with agreed profile.  The current budget at year end shows a small underspend which, subject to approvals, would  be spent on a repeat Massaria survey, associated tree works and the purchase of more recycling bins.

Staff – Currently there is a full complement of staff.  A newly appointed Project Support Officer and a new Assistant Gardener have been recruited recently.

St Botolph Bishopsgate – Dashwood House S106 Improvements – Conservation and levelling issues in relation to the fountain have now been resolved enabling City Gardens and contractors to instigate drainage improvements during May.  Other improvements to the garden have included: the installation of metal edging between the lawns and newly planted border, the planting of a replacement tree and the installation of three new watering points.  One of the traditional bedding displays is to be converted temporarily into a decorative vegetable planting as part of the City’s in Bloom campaign.  In designing out previous anti-social behaviour, the area behind the tennis/netball courts is now accessed via a locked gate.  The installation of lamps and lighting bollards is complete.  Remaining planting will be carried out in the autumn.

Green Corridors Update – This three year Transport for London funded project worth £415k.  The City’s Tree Strategy aims to increase the existing stock of trees, especially through the planting of large-canopied species, and to increase the number of City owned trees by 5% by 2019.  The Green Corridors project significantly contributes to this target through the planting of some 50 street trees which will ensure this target is exceeded.

Friends of City Gardens and volunteer activities

·                22 March – Friends of City Gardens and 10 volunteers from a regeneration charity based in Bromley by Bow have planted 450 native whips to create a native hedge in Bunhill Fields.  This project supports the City of London’s vision to work with and involve wider communities;

·                17 April – volunteers from Lloyds Bank are planting a woodland meadow, converting a patchy area of grass in Bunhill Fields in partnership with the Friends;

·                11 May – Barbican in Bloom event, organised by City Gardens in partnership with the Barbican Estate, the library and the Barbican Horticultural Society.  The event will include: ‘how to care for plants in container demonstrations and workshops, storytelling for children (gardening themed) and a treasure hunt;

·                8-9 June – Open Squares Weekend.  A number of City gardens are promoted through this scheme.  The Barbican Wildlife Group will be opening Fann Street garden to the general public.  An edible walk has been organised by the City Gardens and a historical treasure hunt for families will be organised by the Friends of City Gardens and volunteers in Bunhill Fields.