Agenda item

The Superintendent of Parks and Gardens to be heard.

The Committee received the following update from the Superintendent:

Finance

The City Garden budget was in line with agreed budget profiles.

Awards

At the 2014 LEAF Tree and Woodland Awards hosted by the Mayor of London at City Hall, the City in partnership with Trees for Cities was awarded the Creative Award for ‘Blue Trees’  a temporary art project that took place in Festival Gardens last summer. ‘The Creative Award recognises and celebrates the most innovative and creative piece of work that evokes the value and beauty of trees in London.’ A short film, produced by the City’s media department, explaining the project and promoting City Gardens was shown to the audience.

Gardens

The annual summer bedding was due to be planted over the coming weeks, nectar rich species have been selected where possible.

City, London and Britain in Bloom Campaign

The City’s in Bloom campaign was underway. The Friends had recruited twelve volunteers to judge entries for the City wide campaign. Details of how to enter or nominate a garden, project, window box etc. could be found on the City Gardens pages on the website.

Volunteering

On the 22nd May, a group of ten volunteers from an international IT company based in the City paid for and planted 500 wildflower plugs and shrub plants at Bunhill Fields.

Roof Top Survey - 26 volunteers including three ecologists and the Director of the London Wildlife Trust took part in roof top bird surveys across seven buildings during April and May. 25 different species of birds were seen including breeding Black Redstarts and Peregrine Falcons. A report for publication was being prepared by the Friends to promote the value of green roofs for wildlife.

Open Squares Weekend 14/15 June – a plant stall, teas and coffees would be served by the Church and Friends in Postman’s Park. Volunteers would be conducting tours and a treasure hunt in Bunhill Fields.

Chelsea Flower Show

The City Corporation sponsored a garden at the Chelsea show for the first time. This was designed by Helen Elks-Smith and aimed to raise awareness of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). The City’s horticultural apprentices assisted with the garden build, whilst Arboriculture apprentices interpreted the stand during the opening days of the show. Very good media coverage was received, including the Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, The Mail, BBC and various radio interviews. The display received a Silver Award.

Committee Members congratulated the Officers on their achievements and thanked them for their hard work.