General Park
(i.e. not restricted to one particular section of the park)
Description
There are several areas of shrub planting mainly in the lower half of the park. There are also areas of traditional annual bedding. These areas are highly valued by respondents in the 2005 park consultation survey.
The evolution of the park has not taken into account land drainage issues rendering some areas muddy and inaccessible to some in periods of wet weather. Some vegetation shows evidence of poor growth due to wet conditions.
There are insufficient litterbins and benches resulting in a preponderance of litter and too few places to sit at peak times.
Current Condition
Much of the tree and shrub cover is mature or in decline and the planting needs adjustment due to the evolving layout of the park. There is limited horticultural interest in the current schemes and flower displays.
Poor quality furniture results in a poor environment that is often mirrored in the way the environment is subsequently treated.
Future Plans
New planting throughout the park to ensure continuity of tree cover and to increase the age diversity of trees and shrubs, improve the habitat value, encourage biodiversity and provide increased horticultural interest in the lower park.
A land drainage system is laid to the slopes above the lower park with the outfall to Skottowes Pond increasing the water inflow into the pond.
The existing bins and benches will be replaced with a selected house style. Memorial benches will be restored and a policy for future memorial furniture introduced. Additional furniture will be sited in specifically designed seating bays, along the path around the pond, and along the new footpaths.
News & Events
The Friends are moving the weekend working party to the second Sunday of the month and the next one will be on Sunday 12 February. We hope to be pruning roses, weeding the beds and then take a look to see if the snowdrops we have planted over the last few years are coming through. We meet at 10am in the Archena Garden which is next to the Temperance Hall in Church Street.
The Friends are hoping to plant around 30 native tree saplings in the Wildlife Area at their working party on Sunday 8 January. They have been donated by the 10th Chesham Guides and were given to them by the Woodland Trust. The varieties of tree include Holly, Wild Rose, Hawthron, Hazel and Dogwood.
We would like to thank Helena Mills who raised £570 for the Friends of Lowndes Park in memory of her good friend Ben Cargill. Over the course of the last summer she took part in not one but three triathlons. Please click on the title for more details and picture.
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