Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field

Herne Bays Coastal Park Management Plan 2013 to 2023

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Contents
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Chapter 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Chapter 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.6 5.7 Chapter 6 Introduction Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Status Site Description Location and site details Management Statutory and non statutory obligation Planning consents Document history Landscape Context A Coastal landscape Interesting geology Coastal defence Access Kentish Flats off shore windfarm Site History A Victorian resort and Herne Bay pier The Dambusters Coastal erosion and landslips The Clock Tower The Kings Hall Policy, Strategic, legal, national and local
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International and European legislation 6.1 6.2 UK legislation 6.3 6.4 Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) UK and Kent Biodiversity Action Plans 14 14 Ramsar sites Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 14 14

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6.5 6.6

North East Kent European Marine Sites (NEKEMS) Natural England

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Canterbury City Council documents 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 Chapter 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Chapter 10 10.1 10.2 Canterbury City Council Corporate Plan Canterbury City Council Local Plan Canterbury Open Space Strategy Herne Bay Area Action Plan Leisure, Recreation and the Foreshore The traditional seaside Foreshore services Water safety and provision of lifeguards Public launch ramps Clubs and societies Education and advice schools and community groups Foreshore services arts and educational projects Cyclepaths Quality Coast Awards Blue Flag criteria Coastal Park Swot Analyses Kent Wildlife Trust Surveys and management recommendations Hampton Pier and Spa Esplanade Herne Bay Central Area Beacon Hill, The Downs to Beltinge Bishopstone Glen Reculver Country Park Green Flag Guiding Principles A Welcoming Place Landscape Management 15 15 15 16 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 19 21 22 22 23 24 26 27 29 29 29

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10.3 10.4 10.6 Chapter 11 11.1 11.2 11.3

Conservation, Heritage and Infrastructure Community Use and Involvement Marketing and Events Management action plans A Welcoming Place projects Healthy, Safe and Secure projects Landscape Management geographical areas Hampton Pier and Amenity Space, Spa Esplanade Herne Bay Central Area The Downs Bishopstone Glen and Reculver Leisure, Heritage and Infrastructure Community Use and Participation Accreditation Implementation Monitoring and Review Acknowledgements Contacts Useful websites

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11.4 11.5 11.6 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

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Appendix 1 Project Summaries part 1 A Welcoming Place Healthy, Safe and Secure

Site Plans Map 1a Map 1b The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Coastal Park - West The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Coastal Park - East

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 Landscape Management Plan A Plan B Plan C Plan D Plan E Plan F Plan G Hampton Pier, Amenity space and Spa Esplanade Herne Bay Central Area The Downs (part 1) The Downs (part 2) Bishopstone Glen Reculver Country Park Conservation, Heritage and Infrastructure

Project summaries part 2 Community Use and participation Marketing and Accreditation

Supporting documents will be included in the final draft

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Chapter 1 Introduction
This plan sets out the management for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field Herne Bays Coastal Park for the next ten years, from 2013 through to 2023. The management plan, prepared by the Outdoor Leisure team at Canterbury City Council with consultation from respective professional bodies and local community groups, covers local and national policy, management aims and objectives, action plans a map of the coastal park and future monitoring and review procedures for the park. The Coastal Park is owned by Canterbury City Council and managed in partnership with the local community. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field Herne Bays Coastal Park will be referred to as the Coastal Park for easier reading throughout the rest of the Management Plan.

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Chapter 2 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field Status

The Coastal Park will be a living legacy and help celebrate Her Majesty the Queens Diamond Jubilee. In effect Canterbury City Council has donated the land to a Trust, which will protect the areas forever for leisure and recreation purposes. A map of the Coastal Park is shown Map 1a and Map 1b. On advice from the national body Fields in Trust, who manage the national Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field programme, the car parks, buildings, central pier and beach hut sites have been excluded from the Coastal Park but all influence the area. For instance the Kings Hall is already held in Trust but the 100 year anniversary in 2013 is an excellent opportunity to promote the area. Vision for the Coastal Park The vision for the Coastal Park is: To manage the area from Hampton to Reculver as a Coastal Park, building on the success of existing community led projects such as Herne Bay in Bloom and establishing a range of new projects to enhance the fabric and facilities of the seafront, coast and semi-natural areas. Community input Community input was the catalyst in developing the idea of the Coastal Park, it was initially discussed at a community meeting in 2010, the community then supported the coastal park in national vote in 2011 and the Coastal Park was adopted in 2012. The community brought forward a range of ideas that have been fed into the action plans contained in the Management plan. The delivery of the Management Plan will require a partnership. An effective partnership between the community, community groups, businesses, statutory agencies and both Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council. Various community groups have stepped forward to deliver or help deliver specific actions and community participation is an overriding principle of this management plan. Participation in drafting this management plan Participation in the delivery of this management plan Participation in the monitoring, reporting and review of this management plan

Canterbury City Council as the land owner will retain obligations such as coastal protection or grounds maintenance. An aim in due course will be to seek Green Flag accreditation to measure the success of the Coastal Park. Therefore the action plans are based on Green Flag criteria.
www.qe2fields.com

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Chapter 3 Site Description

3.1 Location and site details The Coastal Park is located on the north Kent coast between Hampton Pier to the west and extending to, and including Reculver Country Park to the east, encompassing the central area of Herne Bay, Spa Esplanade, central parade, promenade gardens and playground area, the coastline from The Downs to Bishopstone Glen and onto Reculver Towers. Kent Wildlife Trust conducted extensive wildlife survey work commissioned by Canterbury City Council in 2011 and the results of have informed the Coastal Park Management Plan. Chapter 7 Queen Elizabeth II Coastal Park description and management describes the areas surveyed and more detail on landscape management can be found in Chapter 10 Action Plans. Ownership: Canterbury City Council. The Coastal Park does not include any private land Canterbury City Council wards: West Bay, Heron and Reculver 3.2 Management Canterbury City Council is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the Coastal Park and sea defences. It is important to note that the primary function of much of the Coastal Park is for sea defence. In creating sea defences, essentially man-made structures or landscape features, it has also created a wonderful range of habitats. The sea defences, may in some instances, be a major constraint to some potential activities and enhancements. 3.3 Statutory and non obligations (reflect chapter 5 more) Reculver Country Park, Bishopstone Glen, a short section of Hillbrough cliffs and a area to the west of Hampton Pier for part of the Thanet Coast Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). Canterbury City Council designated the cliff top between Bishopstone and Reculver as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1992. Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Fields Status was granted in 2012. Non statutory obligations: Oyster Bay Trail. 3.4 Planning consents: Herne Bay Conservation Area for the central part of the Coastal Park.

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 3.5 Document history: Reculver Country Park currently has an existing management plan which runs until 2017 and has subsequently influenced this plan.

Chapter 4 Landscape context

4.1 A coastal landscape The Coastal Park, as the name suggests, is primarily coastal, with foreshore areas of shingle beaches, tidal mudflats and eroding cliffs and has to be one of the districts major natural assets attracting a large number of visitors and water sports enthusiasts. From the top of the cliffs, views seaward and landward provide different vistas to the north, east, south and west. To the north, the seascape; to the west, looking back over Herne Bay with its Victorian seaside heritage; to the east, the diverse habitats of The Downs, the geological importance of Bishopstone Glen and towards Reculver Towers; and to the south the rural views of open countryside. The park connects all these diverse spaces together. 4.2 Interesting geology The undulating coastline from Hampton Pier to Bishopstone Glen and Reculver owes much of its topography to the underlying geology, coastal erosion and the climate of a north facing coastline. The London Clay, deposited during the Eocene period 45 million years ago over beds of Oldhaven Sands and the Woolwich and Reading formation are susceptible to erosion from the sea and from land slippage, which has shaped the coastline you see today. Human intervention in the form of coastal protection and land stabilisation techniques has reduced the rate of erosion to an acceptable level to safeguard areas of value without undermining areas of geological importance. 4.3 Coastal defences Canterbury City Council has an approved Coastal Management Policy that sets out phased renewal or refurbishment of its coastal defences. The coastline is orientated approximately east-west and is prone to attack from the North Sea when the wind is in the northern sector. This is most dangerous when combined with a North Sea Surge, which can raise the still water level of the sea by up to two metres. The worst flooding in recent memory in the UK occurred in 1953, disastrous flooding occurred in Herne Bay as well as many other coastal towns and villages. The 1953 storm is generally agreed to have a return period of 100 years and it is these conditions that were used in the design of the coastal defence scheme. The traditional form of defence along the whole coastline is a shingle beach which dissipates the energy from the incident storm waves. Historically it has been impossible to retain a beach at this location in spite of a close groyne system and frequent beach replenishments. With a very low beach, waves were continually breaking against the seawall subjecting it to high destructive forces. Even with a rear wall still in place, the existing defences were too low to provide satisfactory protection from the design standard storm.

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 Neptune Arm Breakwater construction was discussed with two experienced contractors to ascertain the practicability of the proposed design. The supply of rock was also investigated, as this was fundamental to the feasibility which was innovative in engineering terms. A Scottish and a Scandinavian supplier was approached, both confirmed a suitable economic supply of granite to the required quantity and specification. Again these discussions led to minor modifications in the bedding and core grading of the rock which would be beneficial to both parties. The final scheme proposal consisted of an offshore breakwater, approximately 400m long at a distance of between 80 and 200 metres from the existing seawall with a crest level of +3.7m AOD. The structure contains about 80,000 tonnes of granite rock made up of 50-150mm graded bedding, 50-500kg core and 1-3t armour in two layers. A rock groyne of similar construction is sited at the western end to retain the new beach. Between the Clocktower and Neptune Jetties the area was reclaimed which allowed the breakwater to be joined to the shore at the eastern end. The reclaimed area of about 5,800 square metres is filled with approximately 20,000 cubic metres of sand fill. The reclamation is protected by a rock berm some 180 metres long of similar construction to the breakwater with a concrete wave wall on top. The breakwater and rock berm is surfaced with a 4m wide by 800mm deep concrete slab to allow access for maintenance. The new beach consists of about 70,000 cubic metres of beach material to a specified grading envelope which matches the material available as dredged from the North Sea - 50mm shingle down to sand. The crest is at +5.00m A.0.D. just below the new promenade level, and the beach gradient is 1 in 10. Other works required to complete the project were: the refacing of 500 metres of existing sea wall using fibremesh concrete 300mm thick including a new reinforced concrete coping, the reconstruction of 650metres of the existing accessway promenade to a width of 6m in reinforced concrete 250mm thick with a 5Omm bituminous surface to match the later landscaping works, construction of a 500mm high rear wave wall in reinforced concrete faced with brickwork on an alignment and with materials again to match the landscaping. Ancillary works included a new boat launching ramp into the sheltered lagoon and extension of the existing Plenty Brook storm water outfall together with a penstock chamber and automatic flood gate.

Throughout the investigation and design process discussions were held with the Ministry's regional engineer which enabled the very tight programme to be adhered to. The final grant and tender approval was given on 5th June 1991; 19 days later the work commenced on site. 4.4 Access Access to the coastal park is available along its entire length. From Hampton Pier in the west to Reculver in the east, a promenade runs almost uninterrupted through the

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 entire park providing access to and from the foreshore are for bathers, walkers and other visitors. On the southern side, a network of roads link car parks, parking spaces and visitor facilities to the town of Herne Bay and to the main arterial route of the Thanet Way. Bisecting the areas of grass embankments within the area of The Downs a series of concrete steps and walkways provide access from the main road and car parks down to the foreshore and the cliffs at Bishopstone and Reculver. 4.5 Kentish Flats offshore wind farm A relatively new addition to the coastal landscape is the Kent Flats Offshore Windfarm. Constructed in 2005 the windfarm briefly held two records, the turbines were the largest installed in the UK and the windfarm itself was the largest off shore windfarm in the country. Since then it has been superseded by the turbines seen from the Thanet Coast and other schemes. Sitting beside the Red Sands Sea Forts that defended the coast in World War II the windturbines are a reminder of our endeavours for a greener future while the forts remind us of the troubled times in the past and the technology used to defend our coastline.

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Chapter 5 Site history

5.1 A Victorian resort and the Herne Bay pier The area known as Herne Bay today was originally a coastal area of Herne parish populated by a few fisherman and smugglers. Herne Bay began its rise to populous in the 1770s with the introduction of sea bathing machines by the East Cliff. The construction of the first pier in 1831 1832, the idea of entrepreneur George Burge and designed by Thomas Rhodes (Thomas Telfords chief assistant), allowed passengers on the steam ships from London to disembark, and with the passengers came prosperity for the now popular seaside town of Herne Bay. With the population rising and development of the town continuing with seafront terraces, squares and promenades, the decision was taken to build a new longer pier from steel. Surviving for nearly seventy years, it was eventually beaten by the elements and closed in 1968, the remains of the Pier are an iconic reminder of Victorian times. 5.2 The Dambusters In 1939 Sir Barnes Wallis used the coast of Herne Bay and Reculver to test his concept of bouncing bombs used in the famous Dambusters raids, with a statue erected on the Downs in commemoration. 5.3 Coastal erosion and landslips The cliffs at Beltinge have an unstable history, in the early hours of the morning of 4 February 1953; a major landslide involving the whole cliff took place in front of the Miramar Hotel (now the site of a nursing home) in Herne Bay. This landslide took place only four days after the great North Sea tidal surge which occurred on the night of the 31 January 1953. This event caused massive erosion at the foot of the cliff, thereby triggering the landslide. The gardens and tennis courts of the hotel dropped 14 metres and the remainder of the cliff moved forward by several metres. Much work has been carried out since then in terms of sea defences and works to the cliff. However, the deep seated slip surfaces associated with this landslide remain and, in certain circumstances, can be reactivated. In 1974 this occurred when the beach levels dropped and part of the landslide moved two metres at the toe of the slope. Further movement of this slip occurred during the construction of sea defences in 1981.

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 5.4 Clock Tower In 1837 a seventy five foot tall clock tower, which is still a feature, was built on the seafront, paid for by wealthy Londoner Mrs Ann Thwaytes who donated 4,000. 5.5 The Kings Hall The Kings Hall is an architectural gem, captivating visitors with its original Edwardian features and idyllic seafront views. The official name is the King Edward VII Memorial Hall, and was opened on 10 July 1913 by Her Royal Highness, Princess Henry of Batternberg, on behalf of Queen Alexandra. It is now used for a range of community events.

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Chapter 6 Policy, Strategic, Legal, National and Local

The following policies will influence the management of the Coastal Park. International and European Legislation 6.1 Ramsar Sites Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. The coast around Herne Bay is part of the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Ramsar Site UK11070. 6.2 Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Ramsar sites often receive SPA and SAC designation and the coastline around Herne Bay is an example of these designations in place. This gives legal protection preventing damaging activities. Some of the sites, known as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for Birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), are of European importance. They have been created under the EC Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. In the UK they form part of a larger European network called Natura 2000. UK Legislation 6.3 Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest There are over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering around 7% of the country's land area. Over half of these sites, by area, are internationally important for their wildlife, and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs). SSSIs are examples of the UKs best areas for wildlife and geology. The coastline around Herne Bay is both important geologically and for its wildlife and demonstrating the need for protection as an SSSI. 6.4 UK and Kent Biodiversity Action Plan The UK Biodiversity Action Plan The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) was published back in 1994, and was the UK Governments response to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which the UK signed up to in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. The UK was the first country to produce a national biodiversity action plan, and the UK BAP described the biological resources of the UK and provided detailed plans for conservation of these resources. Action plans for the most threatened species and habitats were set out to aid recovery, and national reports, produced every three- to five-years, showed how the UK BAP was contributing to the UKs progress towards the significant reduction of biodiversity loss called for by the CBD. A more detailed action plan based on the UK BAP is available for the county of Kent. 6.5 North East Kent European Marine Sites (NEKEMS) The North Kent Coast is recognised for its important to coastal wildlife by designations that give high protection to marine species and their habitats. The

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 habitats of the North Kent Coast are predominantly made of sedimentary intertidal mudflats that consist of silts and clays with high organic content, these are highly productive habitats and can support a range of birds and fish. They are also temporary homes for internationally important wintering birds and resting places on migratory routes. 6.6 Natural England The council works closely with Natural England to ensure compliance with national legislation and guidelines with regards protecting and enhancing the internationally ecologically important Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and RAMSAR site, sections of which are within or adjacent to the Coastal Park. Canterbury City Council Corporate Plan and Local policies 6.7 Canterbury City Council Corporate Plan The Corporate Plan Vision: Promoting and providing progressive, sensible environmental leadership Strengthening and diversifying our economy Improving our cultural offer Understanding and responding to the needs of our communities Regenerating our city and towns

The corporate plan themes 6.8 Focusing on people Creating a quality district Encouraging innovation and enterprise Promoting participation in culture, leisure and play by all Promoting and providing environmental leadership

Canterbury District Local Plan The Local Plan sets out the planning strategy for the district; identify sites to meet the development needs of the area and put forward policies to assist in the consideration of individual development proposals; and establish policies to protect the best of the local environment. It is currently under review and the current policies apply.

6.9

Canterbury Open Spaces Strategy To develop an interconnected network of diverse, high quality open spaces which meet the needs of local people and make a significant contribution to raising the quality of life for all residents and visitors to the Canterbury district (Aspire, protect, enhance and promote) With regards to the Coastal Park much of the landscapes designated primary function is either amenity open space or semi-natural.

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 Amenity open space is defined in the strategy as informal recreation spaces, green spaces in and around housing, domestic gardens and village greens. Natural and semi-natural open space is defined in the strategy as woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, grasslands, wetlands, open and running water, wastelands and derelict open land and rock areas cliffs, quarries and pits . The beaches are considered amenity open spaces. The Open Spaces Strategy considers the population and national guidelines within the Coastal Park area. It highlights gaps in equipped play provision in Reculver ward. 6.10 Herne Bay Area Action plan The Herne Bay Area action plan adopted in 2010 reflects that regeneration of Herne Bay lies at the core of the Councils Corporate Plan. The Corporate plan seeks to harness the Districts unique range of assess including the three distinctive urban areas of Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable, to create a dynamic, strong economy and distinctive cultural and visitor experience from which the communities of the District will prosper. The Coastal Park will contribute to these particular aims of the Herne Bay Area Action Plan: To enhance Herne Bays Conservation Area streetscapes through design and comprehensive high quality public realm improvements To create an attractive sense of place with clear pedestrian and cycle routes linking the seafront shopping streets and park To complete the national cycle route that runs along the towns seafront and an extension to the high school To improve the vibrancy of and attractiveness of Herne Bay as a seaside tourist destination, including the delivery of a revived and thriving pier

Websites
RAMSAR SPA/SAC Natural Choice Thanet Coast SSSI UK BAP Kent BAP NEKEMS Natural England Canterbury City Council Corporate Plan Canterbury District Local Plan Canterbury City Council Open Spaces Strategy Herne Bay Area Action Plan www.ramsar.org http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-162 http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/sssi/default.aspx http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5155 www.kentbap.org.uk http://www.thanetcoast.org.uk/pdf/NorthEastKent_Reg33.pdf www.naturalengland.org.uk www.canterbury.gov.uk

www.canterbury.gov.uk www.canterbury.gov.uk/openspaces

http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/main.cfm?objectid=1906

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Chapter 7 Leisure, Recreation and the Foreshore

7.1 The traditional seaside If you are looking for traditional seaside fun, Herne Bay has much to offer. There are two miles of seafront offering traditional favourites such as cafes, fish and chips, the seafront gardens and play area. Recreational activities such as canoeing, swimming, sailing, angling, cycling, walking and dog walking are popular pastimes as well as gentle activities such as taking in the sea air from the comfort of a bench or walking along the promenade. To the east away from the busier central area is Beacon Hill, The Downs and Reculver County Park with unique views of the 12th century towers and Roman Fort. 7.2 Foreshore services The Foreshore services team is responsible for: 7.3 Water safety and provision of Lifeguards Education and advice - local schools and community groups Information signage Management of beach huts Management of public launch ramps Seaside Pleasure Boats Bylaws Coastal Awards for example Quality Coastal Awards Blue Flag world recognised standard North East Kent European Marine Sites (NEKEMS)

Water safety and provision of lifeguards Foreshore Services manage the seasonal lifeguards at Herne Bay that are trained and assessed by Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) and operate during the summer season. There are also signs at the entrance to each beach to help visitors avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.

7.4

Public launch ramps Public launch ramps are a great asset to the coastal community, utilised by a wide variety of both local and visiting users.

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 Public launch ramps are located at: 7.5 Neptune Jetty, Central Parade, Herne Bay public launching ramp Studd Hill/Hampton Pier Avenue public launch ramp

Clubs and Societies There are a range of clubs and societies with facilities located along the Foreshore. Organisations include: Hampton Pier Yacht Club Herne Bay Amateur Rowing Club Herne Bay Angling Association Herne Bay Beach Hut Owners Association Herne Bay Sailing Club Heron Angling Society JAWS- Herne Bay and Whitstable Jet Ski and Watercraft Society The National Coastwatch Institution

7.6

Education and advice local schools and community groups Foreshore Services support and deliver Adopt a Beach scheme and Beachwatch. These are coastal environmental initiatives organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to encourage local individuals, groups and communities to care for their local coastal environments. Shoresearch is a national initiative to record and identify our marine species using volunteers and is an excellent way to provide information about better marine and shoreline management. Beach cleans are also undertaken by a variety of local community groups and help to keep the beaches both clear of litter but also help raise awareness that our beaches are precious environments to be respected and cared for.

7.7

Foreshore Services arts and educational projects A number of arts projects have taken place along the beach involving local schools and community groups for instance during the summer 2012 Foreshore Services ran three beach art and seashore ecology sessions with Reculver Primary School. Foreshore Services also run educational projects with a range of local groups and schools. Recent projects have included a Bottle Beach Hut made from recycled plastic bottles and Shore is a Load of rubbish to raise the importance of beach cleanliness and recycling.

7.8

Cycle paths The coastal park offers an excellent opportunity to explore the delights of the coastline by cycle. The Oyster Bay trail is a senic coastal route from Swalecliffe to Reculver linking with the Viking Coastal Trail which provides an enjoyable route to Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. These cyclepaths also link to the Crab and Winkle Way linking to Whitstable and then on to Canterbury and other routes in the UKs national network.

7.9

Quality Coast Awards and Blue Flag The Quality Coast Awards were introduced in 2007 to raise the standard around our coasts. For 2012, the two main resort beaches of Herne Bay and Tankerton have

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 achieved Blue Flag awards and been recommended for the Marine Conservation Societys Good Beach Guide 2012. Blue Flag is a prestigious international award and is easily recognised as a quality standard by visitors from around the world. 7.10 Blue Flag criteria Beaches are awarded the Blue Flag based on compliance with 32 criteria covering the following four themes: (1) (2) (3) (4) Environmental Education and Information Water Quality Environmental Management Safety and Services

Foreshore Services Thanet Coast Sssi Blue Flag Viking Coast Trail

www.canterbury.gov.uk/openspaces http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/sssi/default.aspx www.blueflag.org http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/viking/

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Chapter 8 Coastal Park Site Analysis

The outline below is a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis summary for the Coastal Park Strengths Refurbished Hampton Play Area Herne Bay in Bloom (Gold Award) Coastal Activities sailing, windsurfing, trips to windfarm/WWII sea defences Good network of footpaths and cyclepaths Diverse range of wildlife species and tranquil places Interesting geology and biodiversity Rich cultural heritage Victorian resort Strong community participation Opportunities Refurbish Play Area Herne Bay Seafront Coastal Activities improve mooring and parking Improve interpretation along footpaths and cycle paths Community Groups fully engage in management plan Improve landscape management Coastal Art a range of community arts based projects QEII status will strengthen the quality of external applications Central Piers future Threats ASB Vandalism/graffiti Retain the balance of enhancement for public use and biodiversity value Lack of a partnership approach Weaknesses Older equipment at Herne Bay Seafront Play Area Some existing sculptures in need of repair or replacing Limited parking and mooring Mixed quality of signage and interpretation Mixed quality of infrastructure Limited promotion

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Chapter 9 Kent Wildilfe Trust Surveys and landscape management recommendations

9.1 Hampton Pier and Spa Esplanade The area at Hampton Pier includes a small concrete faced pier, a rock bund extending seaward from the pier, the foreshore down to the high watermark and a narrow area of inter-tidal zone dominated by pebbles and rocks. There is also an area of recreational grassland and a car park with associated grass embankment. Amenity features - a popular childrens play area, a shingle garden, sailing club, rowing club, angling society and beach huts Infrastructure: Public toilets, litter bins, benches, interpretation panel, steps and paths Kent Wildlife Trust Survey The survey section included the old pier and foreshore down to the high water mark as well as a narrow area of inter-tidal zone. It also included the area of recreational grassland and a car park with associated grass embankment leading behind the Yacht Club and the drainage ditch leading from Studd Hill to the beach. For more detail about management of each of these areas please refer to Section 10 Management Prescriptions, 10.3 Landscape Management Location Short pier concrete Pier Avenue rock bund Species Common mussel (Mytilis edulis) Comments Some colonisation by introduced Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Mat forming introduced wireweed Sargassum muticum can exclude other species Most interesting feature is drainage channel from Studd Hill Dittander is county scarce

Spiral Wrack (Fucus spiralis) Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesiculosuss) Purple Laver (Porphyra umbilicus) Close mown areas of limited botanical interest Salt marsh plants found in channel Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides) Samphire (Inula crithmoides) Dittander (Lepidium latifolium)

Amenity grassland

North of Western Esplanade (TR162 682)

Sea Pea (Lathyrus japonicus)

A species of coastal shingle beaches grows on semivegetated shingle. Susceptible to trampling where there is public pressure

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on beaches (Stewart et al) Nationally scarce and county rare Management recommendations Monitor population of Pacific Oyster and wireweed wireweed unlikely to restrict other species. Continue with management of amenity area. Continue with management of the drainage channel. Shoreline protect the sea pea from trampling, using positive promotion and educational methods.

Focus on Pacific Oyster The Pacific Oyster is native to the pacific coast of Asia, it is now found as an introduced species around the world. It can be found in estuaries and also intertidal zones attached to hard rocky substrates or muddy sandy areas. It was previously thought that sea temperatures were too cold to support significant populations of the Pacific Oyster but warmer summers have enabled a gradually spread. This has raised concern about the possible impact on the features of the North East Kent European Marine sites (NEKEMS) and as a result a survey was conducted by Natural England to establish a baseline record of intertidal distribution and density Pacific Oyster Survey of the North East Kent European Marine Sites, July 2008) 9.2 Herne Bay Central Area Comprising of three sloping grassy embankments, separated by housing between the Western Esplanade and the Promenade are small areas of vegetated shingle and sand of the foreshore and a rock bund under the pier. To the east of the pier a rock bund outer arm, known as Neptunes Arm, forms a small harbour area with a shingle and sandy beach. Amenity features - include sea front gardens, childrens play area and local facilities eg refreshments. Infrastructure: Waltrop Gardens, childrens play area, Central Bandstand with icecream parlour and restaurant and the historic Clock Tower. Kent Wildlife Trust Survey This survey section includes sloping grassy embankments between the Western Esplanade and the promenade, together with the foreshore which includes small areas of vegetated shingle and sand. A rocky bund under the pier was also surveyed. The westernmost banks are managed by cutting: the top of the banks adjacent to Western Esplanade are mown regularly, the lowest slopes receive a single cut in the autumn. This management has resulted in a good range of plant species. The easternmost bank lies adjacent to a number of access paths and is mown regularly.

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Location Grass embankments Pier Rocky bund next to pier Rock armour surrounding the harbour (Neptunes Arm)

Species Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) and Pellitory of the Wall (Parietaria judaica) Few plants recoded on shingle next to pier Some algal colonisation Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and wireweed Knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum)

Comments Management of grassy embankments has encouraged a range of species.

Number of introduced species

Uncommon along the Kent shoreline away from its main colony at Folkestone harbour. Usually found adrift more uncommonly found attached to rocks

Management recommendations Monitor the populations of Pacific Oyster and wireweed on the rock bund under the pier and on the harbour arm. Encourage the conservation of the vegetated area of sandy beach inside the harbour; take care of this area during any works.

9.3

Beacon Hill, The Downs to Beltinge The area extending from Kings Hall in the west to Beltinge, Hillborough cliffs and Reculver Country Park in the east. The area consists of an extensive area of grassy embankments and cliff top habitats. A short section of the Hillborough cliffs is included in the Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Amenity features - include Kings Hall, Herne Bay Sailing Club and a bronze statue of Sir Barnes Wallis on a stone plinth within an area of amenity grassland, Infrastructure - litter bins, benches, steps and paths, car parking facilities Kent Wildlife Trust Survey The varied management regime of close mown pathways, amenity grass and areas towards the eastern end being left largely uncut has enhanced the species diversity of the area. The grassland has a varied regime of management, areas adjacent to the main road and alongside access paths are kept close mown, as are the areas of amenity grassland. Other areas particularly towards the eastern end are largely unmanaged except for engineering operations for

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 sea defence purposes. The diversity of the eastern end is further enhanced by the presence of a developing scrub community. Location The Downs throughout Species Grass vetchling (Lathyrus nissola) Spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa) Wild carrot (Daucus carota) Butterflies (Lepidoptera) Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) Nesting birds Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) Reptiles foraging and hibernating Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) Brown tailed moth (Euprocis chrysorrhoea) Grasshopper warbler (Locustella naevia) Variety of sown wildflowers Evergreen Oak (Quercus ilex) Evergreen spindle (Euonymous japonicus) Red Shanked Carder Bee (Bombus ruderarius) Shingle at eastern end Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) Yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum) Dittander (Lepidium latifolium) Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) County scare plants Comments Species found in undisturbed areas 19 species of butterfly recorded and day flying moths Abundant along the upper slopes Some education around Brown Tailed Moth caterpillars may be required Grasshopper warbler rare species - UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species (UKBAP) RSPB Red List and endangered in Kent Red Data Book Flowers sown at time of drainage channel works May be garden escapes Red Shanked Carder bee is a UKBAP priority species

Sections A-C of survey area western end Dense blackthorn and scrub

Drainage system flinty channels Eastern end

Focus on: Grasshopper Warbler The high insect-like reeling song of the grasshopper warbler is the best indication of its presence. It is a rare species listed in both the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the listed as endangered in the Kent Red Data Book. The Grasshopper Warbler is a summer visitor arriving in April and migrating in September. In the UK there are an estimated 11, 750 breeding pairs (RSPB). They are found in areas of scrub and thick grassland.

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 Management recommendations 9.4 Continue with the varied management of the grassland habitats. Consider varying the grass cutting on the lower slopes between Beltinge and Hillborough, to reduce the dense sward Monitor scrub and tree species retain isolated areas of scrub, consider scrub removal where scrub is encroaching towards the lower slopes. Remove seedlings such as sycamore. Mature species such as Pendunculate Oak, Ash and Goat Willow may be inappropriate species for this location. Consider careful removal of Brown Tail moth tents if appropriate or education around Brown Tailed Moth caterpillars. Some rotational cutting of scrub around access paths helps to diversify age structure and keep paths open. Continue to monitor and remove Alexanders as necessary Carefully monitor arts projects to ensure there is minimal impact of plant species.

Bishopstone Glen to Reculver Country Park Bishopstone Glen is a short sided valley, over many years a stream has cut through the sands and clays of the coastline. It is included in the Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the bees and wasps that inhabit the sandy areas. Access to Bishopstone Glen is via steep steps from the top of the cliffs to the lower levels. Apart from the main access much of the rest of the Glen is undisturbed. The Glen is colonised by English Elm (Ulmus procera), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). More information including an extensive record of Bee and Wasp species can be found in the main Kent Wildlife Trust survey report. Amenity Features there is a carpark at the top of the cliff at Bishopstone Glen and a small area of amenity open space where the Beacon is located. There are some interpretation panels detailing information about the Glen. Infrastructure steps to Bishopstone Glen, car parking facilities, interpretation panels, access to the beach. Kent Wildlife Trust Survey The majority of Bishopstone Glen is undisturbed resulting in a diversity of species, this is mainly due to its inaccessible nature, interesting geology and grassy cliff tops. A more detailed list of species can be found in the Kent Wildlife Trust Survey report (2011). Location Bishopstone Glen tree species Bishopstone Glen Butterflies Bishopstone Glen bees and wasps Bishopstone Glen plants Species English Elm (Ulmus procera) Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Chestnut (Castanea sativa) White Letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album) Digger wasps and a range of wasps and bees Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) Comments On the slopes

UKBAP species Digger wasps are nationally scarce County scarce

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Bishopstone Glen cliff top

Range of species including Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Common Knapweed, Cut Leaved cranesbill (Geranium dissectum)

Good range of species for butterflies

Focus on White Letter Hairstreak The White Letter Hairstreak is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species. The species has declined since the outbreaks of Elm Disease in the 1970s and 1980s as Elm is its sole food plant. This butterfly forms discrete colonies which are sometimes very small containing only a few dozen individuals. Efforts have been made to try to increase populations by planting disease resistant Elms. Butterfly colonies are typically focused on a small clump of trees or even an individual tree. These butterflies are not great wanderers and will reuse the same site year after year. Management recommendations Bishopstone Glen has benefitted from the existing management and this should be continued. Countryside section is writing a specialised management plan for Bishopstone Glen The stream bed channel near to the sea is heavily vegetated with reed and coarse species, it may be possible to clear and maintain a more open channel without damaging the plant diversity. Continue with existing management to the cliff top environment is appropriate as shown by the range of species recorded.

9.5

Reculver Country Park Reculver Country Park includes open cliff top grassland, remains of a Roman Fort and the two imposing towers of the former church of Saint Marys. Reculver is included in the Thanet Coast SSSI and also the wider Sandwich Special Protection Area (SPA). Reculver is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust on behalf of Canterbury City Council. The park has received the national Green Flag Award for 2011 and 2012 and for preceding years. Amenity features coastal walks, historical interest, links to wider coast and countryside Infrastructure carparking facilities, interpretation, visitor centre, refreshments Kent Wildlife Trust Survey The main area near the visitor centre is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust on behalf of Canterbury City Council. Around the visitor centre the grass is close cut for amenity use and extended out into a central plateau. The rest of the plateau is cut annually as a hay meadow with wide access paths cut around the meadow. The mixed mowing regime has resulted in grassland that is rich in a variety of species including butterflies, bumblebees and grasshoppers.

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Location Reculver Country Park butterflies

Species Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Skippers (various) Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) Meadow pippits (Anthus pratensis) Sandmartins (Riparia riparia) Sallt marsh complex on shingle in front of visitor centre Sea purslane (Aster tripolium) Sea Couch (Elytrigia atherica) Shrubby seablite (Suaeda vera)

Comments Grassland management has resulted in diversity of species

Reculver Country Park birds

Species of grassland Sandmartins active in 2 cliff areas The harsher conditions at Reculver restrict colonisation, limited number of species recorded. Nationally scare and county rare plant, unfortunately only one small plant present. Dense ivy cover a valuable nectar source for insects and fruit for bird species in the winter

Reculver Country park coastal plants

Reculver Country park rare species Reculver Country Park fort and church Over-wintering bird species Mosses and Lichens

Variety of common species associated with amenity grassland and dense ivy cover

Focus on Sand Martins Sand Martins are summer visitors from northern Africa, they are smaller than both House Martins and Swallows. Their upper parts are brown and underparts white with a brown breast band. Their burrows are found in sandy banks often near water, quarries and cliffs are common habitats. They start their return journey to Africa in August. Due to drought conditions overseas Sand Martin populations have declined and classified as an RSPB Amber List species. Canterbury City Council Countryside Kent Wildlife Trust www.canterbury.gov.uk/countryside www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Chapter 10 Green Flag Guiding Principles

The management prescriptions for the Coastal Park is guided by the following Green Flag principles. 10.1 A welcoming place A welcoming place is one of the most important aspects of visitor enjoyment and is relevant to any park or open space. Good safe access, combined with clear signage and informative interpretation all add to the visitor experience. A range of activities available and input from the community show a living space that functions well for everyone. 10.2 Healthy safe and secure Many studies have shown that access to the natural outdoor world can be significantly beneficial providing opportunities for exercise and appreciation of the environment. Keeping the Coastal Park well maintained and looked after is important in helping everyone to enjoy all it has to offer. Community participation can help to reduce a range of anti-social behaviours. 10.3 Land management In very broad terms, the spaces of the Coastal Park are primarily classified as seminatural or amenity areas (Open Spaces Strategy, 2010). Land management appropriate to these spaces can be based upon the type of space. Semi-natural areas may support specific species needing a certain type of management, other areas may benefit from minimal management. Some semi-natural areas can be described as more heavily visited by people and are capable of withstanding pressure of visitors than other more tranquil spaces and the same could be said of amenity areas so management must be appropriate to suit each space. Amenity spaces often offer opportunities to be enhanced through new projects such as community arts projects, events or improved interpretation. 10.4 Leisure, heritage and infrastructure The Coastal Park has a rich cultural heritage and it is important to protect, conserve and enhance both the natural and built environment for the visitors of today and the future. Much of the built environment dates back to the Victorian and Edwardian era. This longevity in a coastal atmosphere has not been kind to the facades of many of these historic buildings and therefore restoration and conservation of some of these buildings including the Clock Tower. The unique and diverse landscape adds to the character of the park and visitor enjoyment. 10.5 Community use and involvement Community groups and associations are an important part of the character of the coastal park and actively involved in all areas including conservation and community beach cleans. The park contains many leisure groups from angling clubs and societies, sailing and an active Sea Cadet group. Several community events are organised annually such as the Herne Bay Festival and Herne Bay in Bloom and play a part in bringing the community together. The interesting geological features and

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 natural character of the park bring about educational opportunities for local schools and other academic organisations. 10.6 Marketing and Events The Coastal Park has many interesting features that are well known and appreciated by the local community. The Coastal Park offers a unique opportunity to further interpret the coastal landscape, the Victorian heritage and the wildlife and natural habitats. Promoting the Coastal Park can involve a range of media and platforms including, celebrating local community events in the local press to informative leaflets, interpretation panels and web pages. Interpreting the coastal park with community participation will help to revitalise interest, regain lost heritage and bring about new knowledge and understanding of the coastal environment. Green Flag http://greenflag.keepbritaintidy.org/

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Chapter 11 Management action plans

11.1 A welcoming place There are existing interpretive panels at Hampton, The Downs, Bishopstone Glen and Reculver and general directional signage. Currently there are no specific leaflets for the Coastal Park or signage to the Coastal Park. There are opportunities to make stronger links to Reculver Country Park. The action plan below is across the whole of the Coastal Park.
Project Summary W1 A community led marketing plan for the Coastal Park Cascade Reculver Country Park Signage into Coastal Park QEII signage Wildlife and Habitat Leaflet Benefit Local knowledge, expertise to drive and own the promotion of the Coastal Park Consistent welcome, directional and interpretive signage Direct to CP from main roads Inform visitors and public Community partners Herne Bay Promo CCC contact Tourism Indicative cost 2012 TBC

W2

HBIB/CCC

Countryside

25,000

W3 W4

KCC FOTD

Transportation Countryside Outdoor Leisure

TBC 2,000

W5

Walking interpretation leaflet Geology interpretation leaflet Jubilee Trail Leaflet

Inform visitors and public

FOTD

Countryside Outdoor Leisure

2,000

W6

Inform visitors and public Informs visitors and public

FORCP

Countryside

2,000

W7

FOTD

Herne Bay Town Partnership

11.2

Healthy, Safe and Secure Keeping the coastal park well maintained is important to help everyone enjoy the various open spaces. The councils contractor carries out grounds maintenance under a contract. This covers items such as grass cutting, inspecting playgrounds, litter collection and tackling vandalism, graffiti and dog fouling. New projects are identified to help revitalise some spaces and help provide improved facilities. The action plan below is across the whole of the Coastal Park.

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Project Summary H1 Review benches across seaside areas Review litter management across seaside areas Public toilets required across area Provide carparking near Kings Hall Trade waste bins for beach areas near Kings Hall Trade waste bins for Spa Esplanade Work with a range of local partners to look at antisocial behaviour crime prevention

Benefit Provide better quality seating Identify any need for amendment to existing collections Facilities for visitors and public Improve access to Kings Hall Improved facilities

Community partner Herne Bay Town Partnership Various Friends Groups TBC

CCC contact Contracts

Indicative cost 2012 2,000

H2

Contracts

2,000

H3

Contracts

TBC

H4

TBC

Transport

TBC

H5

FOTD

Contracts

TBC

H6

Facilities for Trading Investigate local concerns

Beach Hut Association Neighbourhood Watch/ Coastal Eye/PACTS

Contracts

TBC

H7

Community Safety Unit

11.3

Landscape Management Landscape management is split into geographical areas reflecting the areas surveyed by Kent Wildlife Trust. The recommendations reflect those outlined in the Kent Wildlife Trust survey report and also from previous consultations. Management is suited to each type of space reflecting appropriate management for semi-natural spaces. Hampton Pier to Spa Esplanade
Project Summary L1 Monitor Pacific Oysters and wireweed Continue with existing management of amenity area Continue with management of drainage channel Benefit Monitor spread Community partner CCC contact Foreshore? Indicative cost - 2012

L2

Retain as amenity area

SERA

CCC/ contractor

GM contract

L3

Retain as drainage channel

CCC/ contractor

GM contact

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L4

Collect arisings from around carpark minimise mulch effect Protect the Sea Pea from trampling

Increase floral diversity

CCC/ contractor

L5

Nationally scarce and county rare

Countryside

Low key promotion using existing networks 100

L7

Removal of grass cuttings from steep slopes following conservation cuts Spa Esplanade Develop a garden at Hampton Pier

Diversify grassy banks

Contracts

L8

HBIB project

HBIB

Outdoor Leisure

500

Herne Bay Central Area Although the central area is primarily used for amenity purposes, there are opportunities to carry out landscape management projects to enhance the spaces. These projects have potential to improve the aesthetic appearance of the seafront by introducing more planters and also help to link to the semi-natural spaces by providing gardens reflecting the local wildlife found nearby.
Project Summary L9 Monitor Pacific Oysters and wireweed on the rock bund and near Pier Encourage the conservation of the vegetated area of sandy beach Develop shingle garden to replace broken whale sculpture Enhance planting near Kings Hall Benefit Monitor spread Partner TBC CCC contact Foreshore? Indicative cost 2012 TBC

L10

Diversity of species

TBC

Foreshore?

TBC

L11

Garden project form link to coastal habitats Improve range of planting

HBIB

Outdoor Leisure

2,000

L12

HBIB

Outdoor Leisure

100

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 Beacon Hill, The Downs to Beltinge The Downs is currently managed as semi-natural habitat; mimimal management in places has resulted in a diverse range of species, while occasional management of scrub especially near the access paths has helped to diversify habitats. Landscape management in this area is primarily to benefit the species found in this area while maintaining access for the public via the steps and footpaths that cross The Downs.
Project Summary L13 Continue with varied management of grassland habitats Initial cut at rear of promenade at Beltinge and Hillborough Monitor scrub and tree species. Consider managing scrub encroaching on lower slopes. Removal of self seeding sycamore, pendunculate oak Brown Tailed Moth Removal of grass cuttings from steep slopes following conservation cuts Continue to monitor and remove Alexanders where necessary Benefit Mosaic of habitats Community partner FOTD CCC contact Contracts Indicative cost - 2012 As existing

L14

Increase diversity of grassland sward Mange the balance of scrub and grassland.

FOTD

Contracts

As existing

L15

FOTD

Contracts

As existing

L16

Sycamore is not an appropriate species

FOTD

Contracts

1,000

L17 L18

Raise awareness where necessary Diversify grassland

FOTD FOTD

Contracts Contracts

As existing As existing

L19

Diversify grassland and monitor spread

FOTD

Contracts

As existing

Bishopstone Glen and Reculver Bishopstone Glen has benefitted in the past from minimal management and the aim of the Coastal Park Management Plan is to continue this approach. Bishopstone Glen is part of the Thanet Coast SSSI and Natural England should be consulted before management takes place. Reculver Country Park has its own specialised management plan, projects outlined here are in addition to current management.

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Project Summary L22 Continue with minimal management of B.Glen and Cliff Top environment Consult with Natural England on future management Work to clear channel at Bishopstone Glen Develop a garden at Reculver Visitor Centre

Benefit Conserve existing habitats

Community partner Natural England

CCC contact Countryside

Indicative cost - 2012 As existing

L23

Ensure appropriate management for SSSI site Removal of Reeds and coarse species Enhance visitor centre

Natural England

Countryside

N/A

L24

Natural England

Countryside

5,000

L25

Kent Wildlife Trust

Countryside

5,000

11.4

Culture, heritage and infrastructure Herne Bay has a rich cultural and historic heritage and it is important to protect, conserve and enhance both the natural and built environment for the visitors of today and the future. Much of the built environment dates back to the Victorian and Edwardian era. Projects to enhance the aesthetic quality and improve the facilities and fabric of the seafront will complement and sit beside the management of the soft landscaping, amenity areas and semi-natural habitats. Hampton Pier to Spa Esplanade
Project Summary C1 Improve access to the beach Benefit Improve existing access Community partner SNAPP/ CCC CCC contact Foreshore services Indicative cost 2012 7,000

Central Herne Bay

Project Summary C2 Increase swing moorings in Neptunes Arm Restoration of the Clock Tower Enhance the playground Install trim trail on beach Benefit Increase capacity Community partner TBC CCC contact Foreshore Indicative cost 2012 Already Funded 400,000 130,000 28,000

C3 C4 C5

Improve fabric of building Improve facilities Improve facilities for young people and adults

HBICT Local schools Local schools

Outdoor Leisure Outdoor Leisure Engineers

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C6

Improve the quality of concessions throughout the Coastal Park Upgrade Neptune Trailer Park, speed ramps, new lines, locking posts, relocate Foreshore office/hut Upgrade sea defences through central Herne Bay Beach BBQ pit and seating Installation of old style bathing machine and community notice board Replace old flag pole near bandstand Central Pier improve quality of concessions and events Beach to east of band stand as activity space 40 palm trees along promenade Installation of heritage sculpture of Roller Hockey European Champions proposed locations St Annes Gardens or end of Pier Consult on Beach Huts near Albany Drive

Improve range and quality of activities/services

Business groups

Contracts

TBC

C7

Improve facilities

TBC

Engineers

15,000

C8

Improve facilities

TBC

Engineers

500,000

C9 C10

Improve range of facilities Help to promote community management

TBC HBTP

Countryside Outdoor Leisure

10,000 7,000

C11

Upgrade

HBTP

Contract

17,500

C12

Improve quality of services

Pier Trust

Culture and Enterprise

TBC

C13

Promote activities

HBTP

Contracts

TBC

C14

Improve aesthetic appearance of seafront Improve aesthetic appearance of seafront

Herne Bay Promos HBTP

Contracts

50,000

C15

Culture and Enterprise

25,000

C16

Provide leisure opportunities

HBTP

Foreshore

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 Beacon Hill, The Downs to Beltinge

Project Summary C17 Seating on the site of Victorian Shelter Low level lighting on footpath to Kings Hall New shelter near top of amenity grass area Consult on Beach Huts mural near Kings Hall/Base of the Downs Celebrate a 100 year anniversary of the Kings Hall 2013 Benefit Seating appropriate for location Improve access to Kings Hall Seating Community partner HBCIT CCC contact HPTP Indicative cost 2012 5,000

C18

HBCIT

HPTP

7,000

C19

HBCIT

Outdoor Leisure Foreshore

80,000 to 100,000 0

C20

Provide leisure opportunities

FOTD

C21

Celebration and promotion of the Kings Hall

Community

Neighbourhood Development

TBC

Bishopstone Glen to Reculver

Project Summary D1 Provide destination playground Benefit Improved visitor offer Community partner FRCP CCC contact Countryside Indicative cost 2012 150,000

11.5

Community delivery The Coastal Park is for local people of all ages and groups and associations are an important part of the character of the park. Herne Bay has enjoyed great success in Britain in Bloom and South East in Bloom and this has been driven by active community partnerships and projects. The following projects are outlined to build and enhance on these successes and help introduce new groups to the Coastal Park while continuing to build upon existing voluntary support and improving the appearance of the Coastal Park for its visitors.
Project Summary CM1 Community Clean Ups Community Clean Ups Driftwood sculptures Benefit The Downs Community partner FOTD CCC contact Contracts and Clean Kent Campaign Countryside Indicative cost - 2012 200

CM3

Reculver Country Park Promote youth engagement

Friends of Reculver Country Park Bay Project/ Youth group

200

CM4

Children and Youth

500

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CM5

Continue with Herne Bay in Bloom entries Herne Bay Festival Foreshore Services Coastal Projects Community clean ups

Build on existing success Annual Festival Environmental Projects, Beach Cleans and Murals Beach huts

HBIB

Outdoor Leisure Culture and Enterprise Foreshore Services

As existing

CM6 CM7

HBFG Local Schools

TBC TBC

CM8

HBBAA/ SERA

Contracts Clean Kent Campaign

200

11.6

Accreditation To help maintain and raise the quality of the Coastal Park for local residents, visitors and tourists it is important to offer high quality and seek national accreditations. The following projects offer an outline of marketing opportunities. These will be researched and developed by Herne Bay promos.
Project Summary A1 Retain Reculver Country Park Green Flag Retain Britain in Bloom Gold Standard Retain Coastal Award Blue Flag Seek Green Flag Benefit Maintain high quality of management Maintain high quality management Maintain high quality of management Key outcome of Coastal Park Management Plan Community partner Friends of Reculver Country Park HBIB CCC contact Countryside Indicative cost - 2012 As existing

A2

Outdoor Leisure Foreshore services Outdoor Leisure

As existing

A3

Community

As existing

A4

Community partnership

TBC

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Chapter 12 Implementation
The implementation of the management plan and future enhancements of the coastal park will involve input and resources from Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council, local community groups and new and existing partnerships. Community groups will be an important aspect of delivering the management plan and applying for a range of external funding opportunities.

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Chapter 13 Monitoring, report and Review

Monitoring of the action plans will take place on bi - annual basis in partnership with the range of organisations involved in delivering the management plan. An annual progress report will be taken to the Herne Bay Area Member Panel, presented by the community. A larger scale review will be undertaken 5 years into the lifespan of the management plan.

Contacts Canterbury City Council Community Development and Outdoor Leisure Military Road Canterbury Kent CT1 1YW

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 Chapter 12 References Booth (MBE), F (2011) Queen Elizabeth II Coastal Park, Herne Bay, Kent Wildlife Survey. Kent Wildlife Trust Canterbury City Council, Outdoor Leisure, Open Spaces Strategy Acknowledgements Fred Booth MBE Wildlife Surveys Kent Wildlife Trust Mike Philips and KRAG volunteers Reptile Surveys Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group Crispin Ribbitts Hadlow College First Draft of Coastal Management Plan and photography

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