Crane Park consultation results

Thank you to everybody who contributed to the Crane Valley Park consultation. Over 250 responses were received which were presented to the Steering Group at the end of March. The consultation had identified six areas of improvement work, and images were presented for each of these offering a variety of designs and styles for the public to respond to. The areas for improvement were as follows:

Entrances ('a welcoming park')

The majority of comments expressed a preference for natural materials to promote a relaxed feeling, and the most popular image was the natural woven willow. We are continuing to look at ways of marking the entrances with natural but durable materials such as timber and stone.

Seating ('a comfortable park')

The majority of comments expressed a preference for natural materials which had character and blended in with the landscape. The project will include a new carved bench on both sides of the River plus traditional seats with back and arm rests on the main paths. Informal seating will be placed adjacent to secondary or woodland paths.

Use of on-site materials ('a natural park')

The majority of comments expressed a preference for natural materials and the idea of a maze was also popular.

Biodiversity features ('a wildlife park')

This category received more votes than any other. The most popular image was for the log pile but all conservation features were extremely popular.

Signage ('an informing park')

The majority of comments expressed a preference for natural, unobtrusive and educational signage.

In addition to the above areas of proposed work, people also put forward their own suggestions which included play areas, picnic areas, wildlife areas, self closing gates, motorbike-free entrances as well as requests that the Park be kept clean and tidy.

Crane Park is known and loved for its wildlife, and much of the work we will carry out will have to be carefully planned around birds and bats and their breeding seasons. This timing of natural events is known as phenology, and is likely to mean that areas of vegetation clearance will have to wait until September, and tree felling will be restricted to the months of October and November.

We welcome your feedback during all stages of the project and you can contact us via the website or by telephone via the contact centre 08456 122660.