Agenda item

The Countryside Manager presented the report as shown in the agenda, and provided an overview of the work of the team and the outcomes achieved during the last year. Key elements of her report were highlighted including facts and figures and site specific projects. She noted much work was undertaken by volunteers. Volunteering had diversified to include project work, the Ninesprings Café and working with people with learning difficulties and mental health issues.

Councillor Sylvia Seal, as Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, thanked the Countryside Manager and her team of staff and volunteers for their excellent work within the Country Parks and their various successes at grant funding applications.  She particularly commended the work of the volunteers who freely gave their time and without whom the parks would not be maintained to their high standard.  She further requested that the list of events to be held by the Countryside Service be circulated to all parish councils for information. 

During a short discussion, the Countryside Manager responded to points of detail including information about:

·         Capacity for visits and events

·         Funding

·         Blues and Browns project at Eastfield.

The Assistant Director (Communties) also reminded members that team were able to offer advice to local groups and parishes about management of small sites of community interest.

The Chairman and members commended the team and volunteers for all their work and thanked the Countryside Manager for informative report.