Cromwell Bottom; A response from the Countryside Service

Tim asked me to post the following......

We do appreciate how shocking this work looks but there is a rationale to our approach.

Cromwell Bottom is one of our prime sites for Biodiversity and these works are part of an ongoing programme for the long term improvement of the site for both Wildlife and all People.

There has been little management on the site over recent years, this means a lot of works are being carried out in a short time scale which can appear drastic especially as we are further constrained by weather and breeding periods.

Why?

Path linking Canal with lagoon 1
A )We have consulted with potential users and done previous work on site from which we have learnt lessons that indicate a 2 metre width is appropriate. For someone passing a wheelchair user this width means there is no need to step off the path.
If a wheelchair user wishes to stop, probably with a helper there is room for others to pass.
People in wheelchairs also like to talk to their carers and family side by side.
A degree of vegetation is bound to colonise the edges of the path, which tends to soften the surface and make it difficult to push a wheelchair.
Blind visitors will generally be accompanied and therefore will walk side by side
To achieve this, we appreciate that the Orchid patch and other areas of the site have been disturbed but based on the history of this site it will recover and bring benefits, because people will naturally follow the path.

B) To reduce level of maintenance on the path
C) Provide access for management purposes in the future.


Riverside track
A) Reduce the cover of bramble to increase the biodiversity of the area. The bulk of this work was carried out in September/Oct 07 and January 08.
B) Remove top soil to provide 4 metre wide access route for Environment Agency vehicles in 08/09 to improve Lagoon 2. (This area, if not cleared of scrub will progress to woodland and we will lose valuable open water, which is the most significant feature of this site.
C) To provide access for vehicles to maintain the habitats on the site
D) Re establish grassland.
E) To Provide access for people with disabilities

Ramp
As part of the funding, a ramp is being constructed off the footbridge and a level footpath from the canal to connect with the path that was constructed on Tag Loop.

Vegetation removal was carried in late January and early February and no nesting birds were disturbed.
The amount of vegetation removed is minimal compared to the remaining similar habitat.

The work is in accordance with the aims and objectives of the management plan, which was agreed following extensive consultation.

Site management is agreed by the Cromwell Bottom Liaison Group, which includes a representative of Calderdale Bird Conservation Group. This group met in July 07 but C.B.C.G. were unable to attend. Consequently a planned site visit was postponed to September 07 at which the proposed works were discussed. We will call a meeting of the liaison group in May to discuss past and future management

The work has been discussed with and received approval from Natural England, The Environment Agency and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

We value the constructive relationship with Calderdale Bird Conservation Group and appreciate Nick Carter raising the issues. It was unfortunate that Nick and Tim were unable to speak before the matter was flagged up on the Blog.

Tim Edge would be happy to speak to anyone, who would like more detailed information. His number is 07712 867612.