BARNSLEY METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Transcription

1 BARNSLEY METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL This matter is a Key Decision within the Council s definition and has been included in the relevant Forward Plan Joint Report of the Executive Directors for Communities and for Finance, Assets and Information Services POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 1. Purpose of report 1.1 The report seeks Cabinet approval for the Authority to enter into a management agreement with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for the management of certain aspects of several areas of countryside centred around: Dearne Valley Country Park Barnsley Main Littleworth Park Carlton Marsh Smithies Lane Wilthorpe Canal Wharncliffe Woodmoor 2. Recommendations 2.1 That the Director of Finance Assets and Information Services be authorised to agree terms for a Management Agreement with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for the management of the sites identified in 1.1 above, with the Council s and YWT s respective obligations set out in detail. 2.2 That the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to complete a management agreement based on those terms agreed. 2.3 That delegated approval be granted to the Director of Finance Assets and Information Services for any future land amendments or additions under the agreement. 3. Introduction 3.1 In April 2015 the Parks Service transferred into the Safer, Stronger, Healthier Business Unit as part of the Future Council restructure of Council Services. As with all Council services, the Parks Service was challenged with thinking differently about its operating model in line with the Future Council strategy. One of the areas we have been exploring is a potential working arrangement with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). 3.2 YWT is a local charity working to protect and conserve Yorkshire's wild places and wildlife for all to enjoy. YWT is part of The Wildlife Trust movement. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK. With 825,000 members nationally (40,000 in Yorkshire) the Wildlife Trusts are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the whole range of the UK's habitats and

2 species. YWT, along with each of the other 46 Wildlife Trusts, is an independent, autonomous charity with its own Trustees. They care for over 97 nature reserves in Yorkshire but currently have very little presence in Barnsley. 3.3 Following the initial identification of the possibility of joint working, a working group was established between YWT, BMBC Parks Service and other relevant BMBC departments. This group identified several areas of linked countryside where it was felt there could be mutual benefits from establishing joint working. The sites identified were: Dearne Valley Country Park Barnsley Main Littleworth Park Carlton Marsh Smithies Lane Wilthorpe Canal Wharncliffe Woodmoor An indicative picture of the sites in question is identified in appendix B. 3.4 These areas are attractive for consideration as a suite of sites due to: Their proximity to the town centre and areas of population making the sites attractive urban conservation spaces linked to the built environment. Their interconnectivity through a series of paths and bridleways which have the potential for future development and enhancement. The high ecological value of the sites and the potential for management plans to further increase biodiversity within the sites through sensitive interventions. A rich industrial heritage which is currently under developed (notwithstanding the existing plans associated with the Barnsley Main site linked to the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership), and cultural heritage with Monk Bretton Priory. The existing interest in the sites through a range of volunteer and user groups and the potential to enhance this level and scope of volunteering activity through greater coordination and support. 3.5 The anticipated benefits associated with this proposal are: An ability to attract external funding for the management of the countryside space and flood alleviation work that the Council alone would not be able to access. Developing a programme of volunteer countryside stewardship thereby helping to maintain the areas identified. External promotion of the Dearne Valley country park and surrounding sites as places to visit to experience wildlife and nature. Support for biodiversity by helping to ensure our sites are managed in a way that is sympathetic to nature conservation. Improved health and wellbeing benefits through greater involvement of local people in shaping their local environment and use of their local green spaces. Ensuring sustainable management, recognising that the Council has increasingly limited resources to manage and develop spaces ourselves. The potential to reduce the maintenance liability and cost faced by the Council through increased involvement of volunteers and the adoption of more nature-friendly site management plans. The potential to identify additional streams of income.

3 3.6 The type of relationship proposed with YWT is through a Management Agreement. The benefits of this approach are that it would allow the flexibility to make jointly-agreed changes over time as the relationship develops whilst still providing a robust framework for the relationship and the responsibilities of each party. It will also allow the formality that YWT requires in order to make bids for external grant income. The management agreement will be subject to annual reviews with break clauses in the agreement providing the ability for the relationship to be brought to an end should either party wish to pursue that course of action. 4. Consideration of alternative approaches 4.1 A do nothing approach exists which would mean that the sites continue to receive the existing level of site inspection and maintenance which is currently shared across Parks Services, Neighbourhood Services and the Public Rights of Way Team. This involves elements of scheduled grass cutting and bin emptying by Neighbourhood Services with the remaining work being reactive and restricted by capacity. 4.2 The option to work with another charity or external body exists however it is felt that Yorkshire Wildlife Trust are best placed to fulfil this role for the sites in question. 5. Proposal and justification 5.1 The proposal is to enter into a Management agreement with YWT for the management of the sites identified in appendix B. Through working in this way, greater capacity to harness community assets in the management of these sites will be achieved. This will serve to ensure that the sites can be sustained and enhanced whilst potentially reducing the management liability on the Authority. 6. Implications for local people / service users 6.1 Intrinsic to YWTs mission statement is to engage people in nature. Therefore anticipated implications for local people arising from this initiative would be: An increased opportunity to get involved with regular volunteering and trainee opportunities in the sites. An increased opportunity to increase knowledge and understand of wildlife and countryside skills through outdoor events facilitated by YWT. An increased opportunity to observe rich wildlife in the area through sensitive management plans. An increased opportunity to enhance the health benefits that living near green spaces brings to communities. 7. Financial implications 7.1 Consultations have taken place with representatives of the Director of Finance Assets and Information Services. 7.2 The management agreement with YWT would see the Authority make a contribution of 20,000 in 2016/17 and 10,000 in 2017/18. The contribution would be utilised to part fund the employment of a Part Time Ranger. This agreement will be subject to annual reviews with break clauses in the agreement

4 to allow for the relationship to be brought to an end should either party wish to pursue that course of action. 7.3 The contributions to YWT in 2016/17 & 2017/18 will be funded via an earmarking of 30K generated by underspends against the 2015/16 salary budgets from within the Communities Directorate, mainly as a result of delayed recruitment to the Future Council Structures. 7.4 Along with the benefits associated with the partnership detailed at 3.5 the management agreement will give the formality required by YWT to make bids for external income for the management of the countryside space and flood alleviation work that BMBC alone would not be able to access. It is envisaged that with the ability to tap in to new areas of funding that the Ranger post will over the agreement period become self financing. 7.5 There is also a potential to reduce the maintenance costs of the sites included in the agreement, through increased involvement of volunteers and the adoption of more nature-friendly site management. Current routine maintenance costs of these sites cost BMBC around 11,000 per annum, however, the level of potential savings is difficult to ascertain until each site can be fully assessed. 7.6 The financial implications arising from this report are outlined in the attached Appendix A. 8. Employee implications 8.1 There are no direct staffing implications associated with this proposal. 9. Communications implications 9.1 The Communications Department are aware of the proposal and have been engaged in the consultation work to date. A joint communication strategy and promotional work will be undertaken if the proposal is approved. 10. Consultations 10.1 Internal Consultation A workshop was held with relevant BMBC departments to take account of their views and the findings have been incorporated in this report and the proposed management agreement. Included in this consultation were the following BMBC departments: Public Health Risk Management Financial Services Neighbourhood Services Highways (Network Resilience) Communications Legal Services Planning Policy Public Rights of Way Culture and Visitor Economy

5 Asset Management 10.2 Member Consultation A briefing was offered to the wards principally affected by this proposal: Central, Cudworth, Monk Bretton, St Helen s, Old Town and Stairfoot. The feedback received was positive and the potential benefits could be seen User Groups A drop-in consultation event was held targeted at existing user groups associated with these sites. Twelve groups with interests in one or more of the sites (Friends groups etc) attended and the feedback and interest in the proposal was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees could see the potential benefits for them and were interested in being further involved if the proposal goes ahead. 11. The Corporate Plan and the Council s Performance Management Framework It is anticipated that this working arrangement will contribute to the Council s Future Council priorities in the following ways Thriving & Vibrant Economy Increased visitor economy by YWT promoting the sites as a visitor attraction presently intelligence suggests the sites are primarily used by local people and no promotion is undertaken beyond Barnsley to attract visitors. Bring further investment into the Borough the business model comprises YWT attracting external grant income into the borough to manage the sites and identifying opportunities to generate addition income People Achieving Their Potential Improving health and wellbeing access to high quality greenspace is proven to make people healthier, happier, independent and active Improving skills through the volunteering programme and countryside skills workshops 11.3 Strong & Resilient Communities Strong ethos on volunteering and social action YWT are experienced in working with volunteers in the management of countryside and the business model is based upon enhancing the capacity for volunteers to be involved with managing these spaces through regular scheduled activities. Protecting and enhancing our natural assets and industrial heritage the partnership would seek to ensure that these spaces are maintained and enhanced for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. 12. Tackling health inequalities 12.1 Access to high-quality public green space can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing including improved mental health and increased physical activity.

6 YWT aims aren t just concerned with the management of the space, but with the interaction and engagement of people within the area. The sites are within close proximity to urban areas with some significant health challenges, the proposal therefore has the potential to positively impact in these areas The proposal has the potential to impact upon the following Public Health outcomes: Excess weight in adults and children Utilisation of outdoor space for exercise/health Social isolation Proportion of physically active and inactive adults Self-reported wellbeing 13. Climate Change & Sustainable Energy Act There will be a possible increase in carbon-capture through increased habitats including reed-beds, wet-woodland, broadleaved woodland and species rich grassland in amenity areas. 14. Risk management issues 14.1 Activity undertaken to manage the risks associated with the proposal has included: Production of a SWOT analysis to identify the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the successful delivery of the proposed management agreement. The development of appropriate terms of agreement. The development of a steering group to oversee the Management Agreement and its development. Identification and agreement regarding relevant statutory obligations attached to each site. The development of a draft Management Agreement between the Council and YWT. The planned production of a risk register to control the risks associated with this potential relationship As part of the Management Agreement, it will be expected that YWT shall keep the Council indemnified against all costs, claims, demands or liabilities of whatever nature arising out of the management of the Sites by YWT its servants or agents through the provision of an appropriate level of Public Liability Insurance As part of the Steering Group meetings between YWT and the Council, it is expected that the allocation of risks between each party will be discussed and agreed, along with the escalation of significant risks that could threaten the delivery of the Steering Group and Management Agreement objectives. 15. Health, safety, and emergency resilience issues 15.1 The responsibility for health and safety site inspections shall remain with BMBC. YWT shall be responsible for all activities on the sites for which it takes a lead role.

7 16. Promoting equality, diversity, and social inclusion 16.1 There are no negative implications for any groups as a result of this proposal Proposed volunteering opportunities and events targeted at the hard to reach groups will have a positive effect on equality, diversity and social inclusion. 17. Reduction of crime and disorder 17.1 Having a greater network of eyes and ears on the sites who are linked into a ranger function should impact positively upon crime and disorder on the sites as issues will be able to be reported and resolved quicker and an improved presence would deter offences being committed. 18. Conservation of biodiversity 18.1 This portfolio of sites range from ones which are both designated Local Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves to ones which currently have no formal nature conservation designation. Nonetheless, Parks Services primarily manage them with a view to their biodiversity value and balance needs with, for example, public recreational needs In a time of austerity, it is likely that nature conservation is one area that could suffer from a lack of investment, adversely affecting the biodiversity value. This proposal (assuming grant funding from external partners, funders and the Defra) increases the chances that biodiversity is not only maintained but also enhanced The sites will be managed as an integral part of the Defra Dearne Valley Nature Improvement Area, developing further the More, Better Bigger and Joined principles, enhancing the ecological network within Barnsley and the Dearne This proposal will also raise the awareness of local people and nature tourists of the high value habitats and species in the Borough. 19. Glossary 19.1 YWT Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 19.2 SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats 20. List of appendices Appendix A Financial Implications Appendix B - Maps indicating areas of land covered by the proposal Appendix C Yorkshire Wildlife Trust s Business Proposal Executive Summary Officer Contact: Phil Hollingsworth, Locality Manager, Stronger Communities Telephone No: Date:3/12/15