1. Spragglesea Mead Plane Trees (from plane trees to shed)
Being higher than most of the rest of the site and less subject to flooding it might be possible to introduce bluebells, crocuses, snowdrops and other spring species here.
2. Spragglesea Mead Native Hedgerow (alongside park from gate to stream)
One of the plots alongside this is not well cultivated and is reverting to wilderness. Some action is required. The front plot (15a) has for a long time been set aside for deliveries of compost etc. There were plans to concrete over part of it, and perhaps a decision is required as to whether or not this will ever go ahead.
3. Spragglesea Mead Mixed Tree Bank (alongside stream on East side from park to dry water course)
We probably require a management plan for the trees in this area as they are liable to become too dominant over time.
4. Dry Water Course
On the Spragglesea Mead side there are potentially issues with plots SM9/SM8 where there used to be a path alongside the water course, but this is no longer visible. On the Dean’s Ham side the area adjacent to the Amenity area is getting very overgrown and needs attention.
Should we consider dredging the water course? There are a few Indian balsam plants already established. This can be an invasive pest and should be removed and the area monitored to prevent its return.
5. Deans Ham Woodland Area (on the East alongside the stream)
Owing to the relatively frequent flooding it would probably not be possible to improve the flora of this area. However the trees do need management and thinning them out would allow more light to penetrate to the undergrowth.
6. Bees
Should we make access more difficult to this area? There is some Indian Balsam which should be removed.
7. Woodland behind tanks
Perhaps some tree management is required here.
8. Stream bank (Dean’s Ham side)
The willow trees will need pollarding.
9. Deans Ham Point Wilderness How should this be managed? Perhaps an occasional strim around the base of the quince tree and a strim of the path that leads to it. We should also assess whether the trees there need pruning or thinning.
10. Deans Ham Bramble Boundary (on West alongside railway from the wilderness to the shed)
Some of the plots here are getting rather overgrown alongside the fence boundary.
11. Deans Ham Amenity Area
This area needs more active management than is currently being achieved so that it does not get too overgrown. It is the main area used for our summer barbecue.
12. Lakeside boundary
This is managed by the allotees, some of whom have planted espalier trees to grow along the fence. The lake border outside the fence, to which we have access, consists mostly of low growing shrubs, but there are some willows which may need attention.