The Country Park is one of the most cherished and spectacular open spaces in the town.
For some time the Council has been investigating how to make the best possible use of both the Country Park and the farm. It has also been looking at how and who could manage it to help unleash all of the area's potential.
Much work has been undertaken, drawing up proposals for the future management for the Country Park and Farm. Now that the farm has been vacated and there is no longer any form of intensive farming methods at the site, a tremendous opportunity exists to integrate the farm into the Country Park.
The Council will be looking for a specialist partner to manage the Country Park on its behalf. It is hoped to have the new management structure operating from May 2003, but until then temporary arrangements are in place to manage the farm this year.
Working with a specialist partner will not only be advantageous to the site itself but could also open up new funding opportunities.
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure, said:
"We want to make the best use of the Country Park so that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it and so that we can protect it, too.
"By working with a specialist partner, these objectives can be met and we can ensure that the Country Park has a sustainable future."
Under new management arrangements will the public lose the access they currently enjoy?
Absolutely not: the access will be retained and even enhanced. This might include better signposting and interpretation, improved fencing, gates and steps and in some cases drainage.
Is the Council going to be selling part of the Country Park or farm?
The coastal fringe and Fairlight Glen are already designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), because it is a rare and valuable habitat. The Council and its partner will further aim to designate the whole site as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) during 2003/4 as part of the Council's continuing commitment to the retention and maintenance of the site in the future. It is likely that some buildings may be sold to offset additional costs and to assist with funding to proposed grant aided projects such as the construction of a new visitor centre at Coastguard Lane
What will happen to the farm?
New ideas for managing the farmland in a low intensity, neutral way are still to be fully explored, as is the case for the many vacant buildings. We have received much interest in the future of the Country Park, along with various views regarding its future development. Some of these aspirations include: a new interpretive/visitor centre; study centre; an equine centre; organic farm and children's farm to name but a few. The Volunteer Ranger Service have also contributed a number of interesting ideas and are taking part in the consultation process.
How will the farm be maintained in the short term?
Temporary management has been arranged for the farm fields; some will be cut for silage, some light grazing will be provided in the more secure fields and vegetation will be "topped" during the season.
How can I access the Country Park on foot or by car?
A great way to reach the Country Park in Summer is via the East Hill Lift or by climbing Tamarisk Steps from Rock a Nore Road and Tackleway - although the latter is quite a walk! Alternatively access by car can be made by parking at Coastguard Lane, Barley Lane or the helipad site in Fairlight Road. There are many and varied walks, some involving steps; others are easier with great views across the channel. An access for all trail leads down towards the Firehills from Coastguard Lane Car Park.
In recognition of the change of use of the farm the Council will be preventing unauthorised access by car to the farm area and asking visitors to park in one of the official car parks. A barrier will be put up at the top of the lane to Fairlight Place Farm very shortly.
Can we get down to the beach, via Fairlight Glen?
Access to the beach from Fairlight Glen has been out of bounds for some time following a major landslip in the winter of 2a000/01. Further recent evidence suggests the land is still unstable, which makes provision of permanent access extremely difficult. We are trying to find out how much it would cost to provide a temporary but safe access onto the beach and will keep you informed. In the meantime we are asking people not to venture towards the beach, or attempt to gain access down the steps as they are roped off and it could be extremely dangerous.
If you would like further information on the Country Park or a leaflet explaining more about Local Nature Reserves, you can visit the Visitor Centre at Coastguard Lane Car Park or contact the Countryside Ranger Service on (01424) 813225.
Or you can contact Borough Ecologist Murray Davidson on 781107 or Amenities Manager Peter Mead on 781385.
If you have any views relevant to the future of the Country Park we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please answer the few questions, the responses will be very helpful.
When you are finished, click the submit button to electronically send your answers to us.
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This page last updated: 25/06/2002