Verulamium Park Management Plan 2012-2017 v2.1

Verulamium Park
Management Plan 2012-2017
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Further copies of this management plan are available from:
Green Spaces Manager
Commnity Services
District Council Offices
St Peter's Street
St Albans
AL1 3JE
Tel: 01727 819366
E-Mail: greenspaces@stalbans.gov.uk
Web: www.stalbans.gov.uk
Created: November 2011
Version: 2.1 - Updated March13th 2013
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CONTENTS
Vision Statement ...............................................................................................5
Introduction .......................................................................................................6
Chapter 1 Historical and Geographical Context of Verulamium Park ..........7
1.1 The Historical Context .........................................................................7
1.1.1 The Excavations of Wheeler................................................................7
1.1.2 The Acquisition of the Park by the Council .......................................8
1.2 The Geographical Context...................................................................9
1.2.1 The Location .........................................................................................9
1.2.2 The Local Neighbourhood .................................................................11
1.2.3 Key Features.......................................................................................12
1.2.4 Access and Circulation......................................................................16
1.2.5 Car Parks.............................................................................................16
1.2.6 Ecology ...............................................................................................17
1.2.7 Landscape Description ......................................................................21
1.2.8 Conservation Designations ...............................................................22
1.2.9 Buildings and Structures...................................................................23
1.2.10 Leases and Agreements ....................................................................25
Chapter 2 The Strategic Context....................................................................28
2.1 St Albans City and District Council’s Vision and Priorities............28
2.2.1 The Corporate Plan, the Local Development Framework and the
Community Strategy .......................................................................................29
2.3 St Albans City and District Council's Green Spaces Strategy .......29
2.4 St Albans City and District Council's Tree Strategy........................30
2.5 St Albans City and District Council's Health and Safety Policy .....30
2.6 St Albans City and District Council's Graffiti Policy .......................31
2.7 Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (HBAP) ...............................31
2.8 Local Bylaws.......................................................................................32
Chapter 3 The Organisational Context..........................................................33
3.1 Management Structure.......................................................................33
3.2 Park Grounds Maintenance ...............................................................33
3.3 St Albans City and District Council's Pesticides Policy .................35
3.4 Budgets ...............................................................................................36
Chapter 4 The Community Context ...............................................................36
4.1 The Value of Public Spaces for our Community..............................36
4.2 Verulamium Park Consultative Forum..............................................37
4.3 Friends of Verulamium Park and Community Involvement ............38
4.4 Verulamium Park Leaflet....................................................................38
4.5 Council Web Site ................................................................................39
4.6 Park Notice Boards ............................................................................40
4.7 St Albans City and District Community Safety Strategy.................40
4.8 Verulamium Park Facebook Page.....................................................41
Chapter 5 Analysis and Evaluation ...............................................................41
5.1 Site Risk Assessment ........................................................................41
5.2 Potential Areas for Improvement ......................................................41
5.2.1 Paths, Road and Cycle Paths ............................................................41
5.2.2 Car Parks.............................................................................................41
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5.2.3 Skate Park ...........................................................................................42
5.2.4 Entrances, Gates and Fencing ..........................................................42
5.2.5 Woodland Walk...................................................................................42
5.2.6 Cycle Paths .........................................................................................43
5.2.7 CCTV....................................................................................................43
5.2.8 Park Furniture.....................................................................................43
5.2.9 Signage and Interpretation ................................................................43
5.2.10 Lakes ...................................................................................................44
5.2.11 River Ver..............................................................................................44
5.2.12 Grassland............................................................................................45
5.2.13 Woodland ............................................................................................45
5.2.14 Hedgerows ..........................................................................................46
5.2.15 Trees....................................................................................................46
5.2.16 Bird Wildlife Area................................................................................46
5.2.17 Children’s Play Area...........................................................................47
5.2.18 Activities for Young People...............................................................47
5.2.19 Public Toilets ......................................................................................48
5.2.20 Interpretation of Buried Roman Walls and Buildings......................48
5.2.21 Cricket Squares and Pavilion ............................................................49
5.2.22 Orienteering Course...........................................................................49
5.2.23 BBQ Areas ..........................................................................................49
5.2.24 Picnic Benches...................................................................................49
5.2.25 Park’s Buildings – Maintenance and Repairs ..................................49
Chapter 6 Action Plans and their Implementation .......................................50
6.1 Aims and Objectives of the Action Plans.........................................50
6.2 Monitoring the Action Plans..............................................................52
6.3 Measures of Success .........................................................................52
6.4 Action Plan Review ............................................................................53
APPENDIX 1 Location of Car Parks...............................................................54
APPENDIX 2 Park Risk Assessment .............................................................55
APPENDIX 3 - Grounds Maintenance Plan....................................................56
APPENDIX 4 Grounds Maintenance Standards and Specification .............57
APPENDIX 5 Park Facilities Maintenance Program .....................................58
APPENDIX 6 Signage and Interpretation Design Brief ................................59
APPENDIX 7 – Action Plans 2012 – 2017 ......................................................60
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Vision Statement
VERULAMIUM PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2012-2017
Verulamium Park is an irreplaceable resource of beauty and opportunity. The Park’s
many thousands of visitors, from near and far, come to experience the fascinating
history, rich wildlife, stunning views, and recreational facilities. The site is perfectly
placed to offer visitors both tranquillity and relaxation, while also enabling discovery
and adventure.
The vision for management of the park will be for all parties linked to the park to work
together, to ensure the successful integration of measures to protect and conserve
the nationally significant historic assets with the enhancement of a well-loved local
landscape and a rich and dynamic visitor experience.
Our vision for Verulamium Park in 2017 is for:
• a centre for the history and discovery of St Albans: We will aim to make
the most of this opportunity through the continued investigation and
interpretation of the archaeological remains, coupled with improved
educational resources.
• a beautiful and varied landscape: we will continue to manage and conserve
the landscape character of the Park, while looking to develop its relationship to
the wider landscape through activities such as opening up view points.
• a welcoming and accessible Park: we hope to make Verulamium Park a site
that all people are able to access and WANT to access.
• a site rich in biodiversity: we aim to increase the biodiversity through
improvement of existing habitats and creation of new.
• a site offering a diversity of recreational opportunity: recreation does not
always sit comfortably with other uses and sensitivities of a site; however, we
will continue to maintain and improve existing recreational facilities and look to
offer new opportunities where need has been identified.
• a strong identity: we want to establish a ‘brand’ for the Park that will be
instantly recognisable to site visitors, and will guide partners towards a
coordinated approach to publicity and promotion.
• bursting with communication: in addition to all our many local site users,
there are a large number of groups and organisations that have direct or
indirect interest in the Park. We will strive to ensure effective dissemination of
information and lines of communication through website updates, newsletters,
regular meetings and consultation events.
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Introduction
A clear management framework is required to guide the maintenance and
development and so realise the Parks assets. The Verulamium Park
Management Plan has been written for this purpose and we engaged with the
general public via a public consultation.
What is the Verulamium Park Management Plan?
The Verulamium Park Management Plan sets out the principles of
management and improvements of infrastructure that Verulamium Park
requires. St Albans City and District Council acknowledges that the successful
implementation of a management plan requires close collaboration between
the public, private and voluntary sectors. Many different organisations and
individuals are involved directly and indirectly in the management and use of
the Park, and the Council recognises its increasingly important role as an
enabler to encourage and support these wider interests.
The Verulamium Park Management Plan is a published document that has
been produced to guide the management and development of the park. The
plan outlines the vision, aims and objectives for the park for the next five years
until 2017. It makes an assessment of the Park's strengths and weaknesses,
and identifies the actions that need to be implemented.
Development of the Verulamium Park Management Plan
This is the first formal document produced to guide the management of the
park. It builds on the work of the Park's Consultative Forum, and pulls together
the existing works, contracts and procedures. In its development, the plan has
considered the following key areas:
• HISTORIC LANDSCAPE, ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION:
Protection of the nationally significant archaeological features and
historic landscape, and to develop and promote educational
opportunities
• WELCOMING AND ACCESSIBLE: Providing clear, safe and
welcoming access into and throughout the Park
• NATURE CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY: Maintaining and
enhancing the quality and value of the Park’s habitats
• BUILDINGS AND FURNITURE: Ensuring all fixtures, fittings and
buildings in the Park are in safe and serviceable condition and, where
appropriate, of uniform design
• RECREATION AND EVENTS: Developing new and innovative ways to
attract a wider variety of visitors to the Park, and to fully realise its value
as a site of open space
• MONITORING AND REVIEW: Learning from experience and judging
effectiveness of management in order to refine work programmes and
make best use of scarce resources
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Chapter 1 Historical and Geographical Context of Verulamium Park
1.1 The Historical Context
The area covered by park comprises some 50% of the Roman town of
Verulamium, which extended to some 80ha by the late third century AD: the
third largest in Roman Britain. After its decline and desertion, the chapels of
SS Mary Magdalene and Germanus were established in medieval times. In the
post-medieval period, most of the area was farmed from St Germain’s farm
(now the site of Verulamium Museum), and remained in agricultural use until
1929 when St Albans City and District Council acquired that part of the
Roman town site to the east of Bluehouse Hill from the Earl of Verulam. The
newly acquired land was to be used for a municipal park, and there seems to
have been some idea of laying out some Roman buildings as part of the
Park's attractions.
In the Roman period, after 43 AD, Verulamium developed into a major
provincial town, and when the town walls were built in the third century, they
enclosed a greater area than that of any other town walls in Britain with the
exception of London and Cirencester. The precise status of Roman
Verulamium has been the subject of much debate. Tacitus, writing at the end
of the first century, describes the town as a municipium. Roman Verulamium
was also the civitas, or tribal, capital of the Catuvellauni. Under the Roman
Empire the Catuvellauni controlled one of the most extensive and richest tribal
territories in the province. Verulamium would therefore have been the centre
of one of the richest areas in the province.
1.1.1 The Excavations of Wheeler
On the 2 nd August 1930, Sir Mortimer Wheeler and his first wife, Tessa,
commenced a series of excavations in the Park. The Wheeler excavations
mark a highly significant
development, both in the
understanding of Verulamium
and in the evolution of
Romano-British studies in the
country generally. For the
first time a programme of
excavations was undertaken
with the express aim, not
simply of revealing buried
structures, but in order to
write the history of the
Roman town.
The advances made by Wheeler's work in understanding Roman Verulamium
cannot be over-emphasized. Prior to his arrival, the account of the Roman
town had hardly changed since the eighteenth century, yet seven years after
the start of excavations in 1930, a detailed account of its history was
published. Not surprisingly Wheeler's account of the history of Verulamium is a
tremendous influence on Romano-British archaeology in the country as a
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whole. For at least 30 years after the close of the Wheeler campaign in 1934,
the `Wheeler model' coloured all interpretations of the town’s past, and
influenced a generation of British archaeologists.
1.1.2 The Acquisition of the Park by the Council
Much of land that is now Verulamium Park was divided in two and was
occupied by two farms, St
Germains Farm and
Verulum Farm
On the 18 th January 1928
the strip of land adjacent
to River Ver was
conveyed to the Council
by WNW Gape and
others.
On the 2 nd August 1929
St Germains Farm &
Verulam Woods was conveyed to the Council by The Right Honourable James
Walter 4th Earl of Verulam and others.
The large lake under construction in the late 20s
The now Bell Meadow was conveyed to the Council by WNW Gape and others
on the 29 th January 1934.
On the 17 th December 1956 the former Abbey Mill Cottage was conveyed to
the Council by The Society of the Faith.
What is now known as Seabrook Meadow along Bluehouse Hill was conveyed
to the Council by The Earl of Verulam and Gorhambury Estates Company on
the 25 th March 1958.
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1.2 The Geographical Context
1.2.1 The Location
Verulamium Park is located close to St Albans City Centre, in the middle of the
District, and lies within the ward of Verulam. It covers an area of 66.9
hectares (165 acres), with many footpath links into the adjoining countryside.
Two of its boundaries are major routes into the City i.e. Bluehouse Hill and
King Harry Lane.
Location map of park
The map above shows the key facilities and features contained within the Park:
• The Lakes including Heron Island
• The Roman sites including the mosaic, London Gate and the lines of the
Roman Wall
• Westminster Lodge, the athletics track and the sports courts
• Children’s areas including the splash park and the play area
• The café (Inn on the Park)
• Parking and toilet facilities
Appendix 3 – Detailed plan of Verulamium Park
More detailed information regarding the key features can be found in Section 1.2.3.
The park is divided into 6 district areas or zones as detailed below
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The aerial photograph below shows the boundary of the Park and the features listed
above.
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1.2.2 The Local Neighbourhood
The local area demographics are illustrated in the below tables
Population, Male / Female split
St Albans
Verulum
All People 129,005 All People 6,186
Male 49.1% Male 49.2%
Female 50.9% Female 50.7%
Source: Office for National Statistics 2001 Census
Age Structure
Age Groups St Albans Verulam Ward
Age 0 to 15 26,514 1,001
Age 16 to 24 11,505 498
Age 25 to 49 49,167 2,142
Age 50 to 64 22,588 1,422
Aged 65 Plus 19,231 1,123
Source: Office for National Statistics 2001 Census
Ethnic Groups
St Albans
Verulam Ward
All People 129,005 6,182
White 120,105 5,913
White: British 112,047 5,528
White: Irish 2,546 128
White: Other White 5,512 257
Mixed 2,038 83
Mixed: White and Black Caribbean 582 10
Mixed: White and Black African 196 9
Mixed: White and Asian 679 35
Mixed: Other Mixed 581 29
Asian or Asian British 4,269 87
Asian or Asian British: Indian 1,146 68
Asian or Asian British: Pakistani 720 0
Asian or Asian British: Bangladeshi 1,628 0
Asian or Asian British: Other Asian 775 19
Black or Black British 1,299 34
Black or Black British: Caribbean 805 25
Black or Black British: African 365 9
Black or Black British: Other Black 129 0
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 1,294 65
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group: Chinese 659 36
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group: Other Ethnic
Group 635 29
Source: Office for National Statistics 2001 Census
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1.2.3 Key Features
The park benefits from a wide range of features comprising ecological
interests, archaeological remains and sporting facilities. The key features are
highlighted below:
Ornamental Lakes: The ornamental lakes provide a habitat for a variety of
birds, waterfowl and bats. They are also a key visitor attraction and have
educational value.
Heronry: The Heronry is located on the larger of the two islands on the main
lake. In 2011 there were 14 nests and 38 chicks on the island. Each spring
the RSPB use the Park as one of its locations in a national event called “A
Date with Nature”. The event offers members of the public free access to long
range telescopes with a rare opportunity to view the nesting herons and other
waterfowl at the lake edge. In 2012 a remote camera was installed on the
Island that will allow visitors to view the nesting birds.
Web link to the RSPB “A date with nature” in Verulamium Park website
River Ver: The River Ver is a chalk stream and is one of the shortest rivers in
England. The river passes through the Park from the west to the east and
feeds water in to lake on its way.
Woodland: The main area of woodland is in the areas of the Roman Wall
along the Causeway and along King Harry Lane.
Spring and Summer Wild Flower Meadows: There are various areas of
grass meadow left to flower in the spring / summer to encourage wildlife and to
add to the biodiversity of the Park.
Grebe House: Grebe House is the home of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife
Trust. The charity manages an area spanning 1,900 acres, from wetlands and
woodlands to rare patches of heath and orchard. They take practical action
every day to help wildlife flourish, through the management of their 43 nature
reserves and the protection of the species that live there.
Cycle Routes: In 2012 the Council formally opened the long awaited cycle
route. The first phase of the route crosses the Park North to South linking key
green transport links within the City.
Development of phase two East to West runs between Westminster Lodge
and St Michaels began in December 2012 and will be completed by the
summer of 2013.
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Roman Walls and the London Gate. Across the Park there are some 300
linear meters of the Verulamium
City walls exposed, some 15 feet
high. These walls and the two
forts are an important historical
feature and attraction to the
Park.
Roman Mosaic / Hypocaust: The Hypocaust is housed within a purpose
built viewing building and is an “in situ” section of a Roman under-floor heating
system. There is an outstanding “Roman Mosaic” housed within a purpose
built viewing building. A Hypocaust beneath the Mosaic is also to be seen.
Verulamium Museum: This Museum depicts everyday life in Roman Britain
and inside visitors will find:
• Recreated Roman rooms
• Hands-on Discovery Areas
• Video presentations
• Touch screen databases
• Some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the
Mediterranean
Toddlers Splash Park: The former Paddling Pool was re-developed into the
new Toddlers Splash Park and
installed over the original pool to
protect the buried archaeological
remains. It opened to the public on
Friday 26 th August 2005. It is made
up of approximately 12 high and low
water features inserted into the
surface and is open from the 1 st
bank holiday in May through to the
2 nd Sunday in September each year.
Play Area: This is located at the
centre of the Park and is one of the
District’s largest play area, it includes swings, slides rocking play items and
climbing frames.
Inn on the Park: The Inn on the Park Café is open year round, seven days a
week serving freshly made food to eat in or take away. The Inn on the Park
was voted for by the residents of the District as “The Family Friendly
Restaurant of the year 2011”.
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London 2012 Olympic Legacy Facilities
• adiZone: The adiZone is a giant outdoor gym located within the Park
and was officially opened by Team GB Gymnast Daniel Keatings in
2010. It was co-funded by St Albans City and District Council along with
adidas and The Great Outdoor Gym Company. It brings a little piece
of the London 2012 Games to St Albans. The adiZone is designed to
enable and inspire local people to take part in more physical activities
encouraging them to play a variety of sports. There is a wide range of
equipment which includes football and basketball on the multi-games
area and easy-to-use resistance gym equipment as well as a climbing
wall.
• Beach Volleyball Court: Verulamium Park is one of six venues to gain
a new beach volleyball court after the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The sand was taken directly from Horse Guards Parade and the
training courts in St James’ Park.
Over 700 tonnes of sand was donated by The London 2012 Organising
Committee and the project was funded by Sport England. The
investment forms part of Volleyball England’s grassroots Go Spike
campaign which is aimed at increasing participation in volleyball by
creating more volleyball and beach volleyball facilities and running free
‘come and try’ taster sessions across the country.
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre: The new £24m Westminster Lodge
Leisure Centre opened to the Public on the 10 th November 2012. This state of
the art facility offers a wide range of
activities including: Swimming, Gym,
Fitness Classes, Verulamium Spa,
Sports Hall, Climbing Wall and much
more. Now that the new facility is
open the old one has been
demolished and new car parks put in
its place.
Sports Courts: The hard surface sports courts are located adjacent to the
play area and they include Tennis Courts / Netball Courts and 1 Basket Ball /
Netball Court.
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Athletics Track and Abbey View 9 Hole Golf Course: The golf course is
open to all on a pay and play basis all year round. The facility was
established in 1990 and has been growing ever since. The centre also
includes a 400m running tack and associated athletics facilities, changing
rooms, pro shop, club room, football pitch, putting green and a golf practice
net.
Football Pitches: There are 12 senior and 3 junior football pitches in the
Park, all of which are available for hire during the football season. Bookings
can be made via the Council’s Grounds Maintenance Contractor John
O’Conner Ltd on their website www.johnoconner.co.uk or by calling them on
0800 3457405.
Cricket Pitches: There are 2 Cricket Pitches and a Cricket Pavilion in the
Park, both of which are available, for hire during the Cricket season. Bookings
can be made via the Council’s Grounds Maintenance Contractor John O’
Conner Ltd on their website www.johnoconner.co.uk or by calling free on 0800
3457405.
Sports Pavilions: The Park benefits from 2 sports pavilions. St Michael’s
Changing Room, located in the car park next to the Museum offers a number
of rooms for teams to change in as well as, showering facilities. This is also
the location of one of the Parks three public toilet facilities. The Cricket
Pavilion is located adjacent to the children’s play area and offers a small
kitchen, toilet and changing rooms as well as a main hall. The hall is used
week days during school term times by school groups to have their lunch
during visits the Museum, Park and Abbey.
Crazy Golf: The 12 hole crazy golf course is located adjacent to the tennis
and netball courts and is open all year round. Balls and clubs can be hired
from Abbey View Golf and Track.
Abbey Theatre: The Company of Ten was formed in 1934 by 10 young
people who had the enthusiasm to set up a drama group, and the
determination to stage performances of a professional standard. The number
of people involved grew quickly after that. The current theatre is located within
the park.
Special Events: Special Events are one-off events. Special events can be
organised by the Council and other individuals, groups and private
organisations. Example of special events include:
• The Annual Fireworks Display
• St Albans Half Marathon
• St Albans Festival for All
• The RSPB’s “A date with nature”
• The Alban Pilgrimage
• Music in the Park
• Midnight Walk
The largest of the events is the well renowned Fireworks Display in November
which attracted in excess of 20,000 spectators.
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Orienteering Course: Working in conjunction with the Hertfordshire
Orienteering Club, an orienteering course has been laid out across the Park,
and a leaflet produced to assist users of the course. The leaflet can be
downloaded from the Council's web site, or purchased for a small fee from
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre.
Park Furniture: The Park has a good supply and wide range of litter bins, dog
waste bins and benches. The features are generally located at key circulation
areas and comprise of one type of dog bin and various styles of both litter bins
and benches.
Signage and Interpretation: Currently there are welcome notice boards
located at the 5 main entrances, with various different types and standard of
signage located within the Park. Interpretation of the important features is
currently very limited and under development. A design brief has been
produced and new signage will be procured and installed during 2013.
Public toilets: There are three public toilets at:
• St Michael’s at the museum entrance
• The Causeway
• Running Track
These toilets are open daily from dawn to dusk throughout the year and are
cleaned by the grounds maintenance contractor.
1.2.4 Access and Circulation
The Park can be accessed by road, foot and by public transport. It is well
connected to a network of roads and footpaths that pass around the Park, they
include Bluehouse Hill, Fishpool Street, King Harry Lane, Holywell Hill, St
Michael’s Street. In addition it has good links to both the M1 and M25.
There are two railway stations in St Albans, St Albans City Station in the City
Centre is on the mainline in to London St Pancras International, and the Abbey
Station is just outside the Park entrance on Hollywell Hill and links to Watfford
Juction Railway Station and then on London Euston
The Alban Way Cycle Path which links St Albans and Hatfield begins not far
from the Park, on Cottonmill Lane, and the Ver Valley Walk follows the River
Ver which runs through the Park.
1.2.5 Car Parks
There are two car parks located within the Park boundaries sited next to
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre at Holywell Hill and at Verulamium
Museum off St Michael’s Street. In addition, there are also a number of other
car parks located within walking distance in the City Centre.
Car parking facilities around Westminster Lodge have been reduced as a
result of the construction work at the site of the new leisure centre. The new
car park will open in March 2013.
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www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking
Appendix 5 – Location of Car Parks
1.2.6 Ecology
The Park has significant ecological value, containing a variety of habitats that
support a wide diversity of species, some protected by legislation. It has value
through being a large green space on the edge of an dense urban area and
adjacent to the wider countryside, with key ecological links such as the River
Ver.
The Park’s habitats are described in the following paragraphs
Grassland
A significant proportion of the Park is given to amenity grassland, which
developed from former arable land in the latter half of the 20 th century. The
closely-mown sward is generally species poor and of little wildlife value, but
provides a valuable resource for formal and informal recreation.
Some areas, such as the west side of the site along Blue House Hill known as
Seabrook Field are managed specifically as wild flower meadow, and has a
more relaxed mowing regime, resulting in swathes of Lowland Meadow.
These grassland areas are of greater ecological value, with a wider diversity of
plant species, providing suitable habitat for reptiles, invertebrates and foraging
birds.
Trees and Woodland
For such a large site, the Park has fairly limited woodland and tree cover,
which makes existing woodland highly important to the park as a whole. The
site does not have an historic legacy of woodland. The existing woodlands and
trees are either remnant field boundary tree lines or areas of the Park that
have not been intensively used or managed allowing for succession.
Tree stock across the Park comprises hornbeam, oak, lime, horse chestnut,
willow, field maple and sycamore. In the parkland areas of the site, the mature
and semi-mature trees are particularly significant to the character and
appearance of the landscape, while providing suitable bat roosting and bird
nesting habitat.
The main areas of woodland and scrub are located around the Roman Wall
and along the boundary with King Harry Lane, and parts of the River Ver. In
addition to the canopy species, the shrub understory consists predominantly of
hawthorn, elder, and hazel. Ground flora is limited in places, such as the
Verulamium Hills area of the site, where the canopy cover is quite dense.
Scrub and Ruderal Vegetation
The Park contains some areas of scrub and tall ruderal (i.e. plants growing in
wasteland or disturbed land) vegetation along the River Ver and Seabrook
17

Field. These areas are not subject to intensive management, allowing the
growth of species such as bramble, nettle, and hogweed, with occasional
shrubs. These areas have ecological value for foraging wildlife, and provide
especially good habitat for reptiles such as grass snake and common lizard,
particularly along the River Ver.
Hedgerow
There are a number of managed, predominantly single-species hedgerows
across the Park. The largest is the hawthorn hedge that follows a main
footpath diagonally across the centre of the Park. These hedgerows are
regularly clipped to maintain a box-like appearance, and are a fairly limited
ecological value.
In comparison, the hedgerows that exist in the Park in Seabrook Meadow are
far more ecologically valuable. They offer more foraging opportunities and
provide potential nesting sites for small birds.
Lakes
The lakes comprise two bodies of water, one a great deal larger than the
other. Construction started on both lakes in September 1930 and was
completed in February 1932. The lakes comprise of a concrete edging and
bases, no more than 1m deep. The larger of the lakes contains a two wooded
islands, one of which supports a heronry. The lakes are surrounded by
amenity grass and/or surfaced footpath. The marginal or semi-aquatic
vegetation is limited to northern end of the large lake.
The lakes support a large a population of waterfowl, maintained and increased
through the popularity of feeding by visitors. This has resulted in a great input
of nutrient-rich bird droppings leading to a highly eutrophic, heavily silted water
body. The lakes are fed by the River Ver through a sluice. This sluice has a
restriction plate fitted and does not allow water to pass through during low river
levels. In addition the extraction of water from the River Ver is licensed by the
Environment Agency. The Ver is a chalk stream, sourced from an aquifer
located near Markyate in Hertfordshire. Chalk streams are rare and
ecologically valuable, providing good habitat for fish and invertebrates.
The River was originally canalised by the Romans in the 3 rd Century AD
providing power to the mills right up untie the Victorian period.
The northern and southern sections of the river has in places typical chalk
stream qualities with fairly rapid flow and clear water allowing clarity to a
relatively un-silted river bottom. In contrast, the canalized section alongside
the lakes has very low flow, resulting in deposition of silt and very poor clarity.
This section and others through the course are also affected by dense tree
canopy.
The Park’s significant species are described in the following paragraphs.
Waterfowl and Wildfowl
Verulamium Park is recognised as a valuable site for its bird populations, with
RSPB surveys recording 64 species in 2010. The lakes and the River Ver
18

oth form significant habitats for waterfowl, particularly for waterfowl. There is
also value in the expanse of parkland and more wooded areas around the
Roman Wall.
The Heronry is the most significant bird-related feature sited on the
southernmost islands. This is designated a County Wildlife Site. This
currently supports 6-7 breeding pairs of Grey Heron. Aside from ecological
significance, the heron are an important part of the Park’s visitor experience,
with the RSPB operating a viewpoint close to the heronry during the breeding
season. In 2012 a remote camera was installed on the Island to enable
visitors to view the nesting bird a the RSPB visitor station.
The water bodies support a large diversity of waterfowl, including mallard,
tufted duck, shoveler, coot and moorhen. The water bodies are also important
foraging habitat for other species of bird, such as swallow and kingfisher.
The wider Park is populated by a variety of typical parkland birds, such as
green woodpecker little owl and mistle thrush. Birds of prey can often be
spotted across the Park, including red kite, sparrow hawk, and common
buzzard.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Swathes of scrub and ruderal vegetation along the banks of the River Ver
provide suitable habitats for reptiles and amphibians. In the past, grass snake
has been recorded in the Park, and slow worm is known to be present in the
surrounding area. Great crested newts have not been identified on site, but
have been recorded as little as 300m to the south east.
Mammals
The Park has some ecological value for supporting a number of rare and
protected bat species. The water bodies, meadows and wooded margins
provide good foraging habitat. The River Ver works as a green corridor for
bats (Noctules, pipistrelles and daubentons). There have also been records of
brown long-eared and whiskered bat. It is not known exactly where the roosts
are, but some are likely to be in trees and buildings within the Park.
Daubentons, for example, generally choose roosts close to water bodies.
Water vole is a protected species within the UK, and in the past has been
known to be present along the River Ver. Records exist for the species within
the vicinity of the Park, and it may well occur in the more naturalised stretches
of the River, or more likely used as transport between more attractive habitats.
The 2007 ecological survey of the Park did not identify the presence of
badger. However it did mention the recorded presence of badger in the area
and the suitability of the Park as foraging habitat. The Verulamium Hills and
the woodland walk, which could potentially be suitable locations for setts.
Common mammals are also found within the Park, such as fox, rat and rabbit.
Insects
19

The Park has many habitats suitable for supporting a variety of insect
populations. The most notable species thought to be present, although not
actually recorded on site, is stag beetle. This is a European Protected species.
20

1.2.7 Landscape Description
The Park has a country park feel with a number of distinctive areas. The
formal area of the Park is
centred on the main lake with its
two islands and the heronry and
the smaller boating lake. Both
lakes are themselves
surrounded by paths allowing
visitors to stroll around the lakes
admiring the wildlife.
Wide open spaces are broken by
mature trees that mark the line
of the original field boundaries.
Today some of the meadows are named after the individual land owners from
the past. There is a large area of woodland located at the southern site of the
Park along the Roman ditch and City Walls.
Large areas of grass meadow dominate the Park, along its boundary with
Bluehouse Hill and King Harry Lane were spectacular views of the Park and
Cathedral can be seen.
Formal use is concentrated along the central path that runs from east to west
linking Holywell Hill and the village of St Michael’s. With good access and
regular supervision from the Park Ranger and Leisure Management Contract
Staff, the Children’s Play Area, adiZone, Toddlers Splash Park provide
endless fun for visitors. The Inn on the Park, tennis, netball and basket ball
facilities as well as the football pitches and cricket pitches are also locatd in
this area. Located just off Holywell Hill is the new Westminster Lodge Leisure
Centre and Abbey View Golf Track Facility.
Almost all the Park is laid out on gentle sloping land, with gradients in several
directions. This adds to the attractiveness of the landscape and allows for
spectacular view of the Abbey and City.
The Park has well used cricket and football pitches and two pavilions; the
Cricket pavilion is in the centre of the Park and is also used by school parties
as a rest area during their visits to the Park. The second pavilion known as St
Michael’s Changing Rooms is located in car park adjacent to the Museum.
The Park hosts a number of events throughout the year including the Annual
Fire Work Display, St Albans Half Marathon, “St Albans Pilgrimage”.
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Appendix 3 – Detailed Plan of the Park
A Park Ranger is on duty every day. Their role is to be a friendly face in the
Park, to provide help and information to visitor and to monitor to engage with
the public. They also perform other important tasks such as emptying of litter
bins, picking up of litter and monitoring public safety within the Park.
1.2.8 Conservation Designations
The Park is a complex site with a number of significant features within its
archaeology, history, and wildlife and landscape character. The intrinsic value
of these features is preserved through legislation, which has a constraining
influence on how the site is managed. Details of the conservation
designations within the Park are listed in the table below, and where possible,
annotated on the Constraints Plan.
Scale Designation Detail
National
Scheduled Ancient
Monument (SAM)
Listed Buildings
The Roman City of Verulamium, which lies
underneath the part of Park and countryside
to the west, is a designated Scheduled
Ancient Monument.
There are numerous listed buildings, mostly
around the north western fringes of the site.
The constraints imposed by this designation
also relate to the setting of the building in
addition to preservation of its structure, and
therefore has a bearing on any alterations to
the surrounding landscape.
County Wildlife Site Verulamium Lakes and Abbey Mill Lane Area
are both designated as County Wildlife Sites,
areas of at least district importance that are
considered to be of ‘critical natural capital’.
District / Borough
Conservation area
The entire park falls within the conservation
area for St Albans, a designation which seeks
to preserve the character or appearance of a
particularly valuable area. This covers all
aspects of the landscape, including trees.
Therefore, if any tree works are to take place
within the Park, a request must be made to
the planning authority, who will decide
whether the works can commence or whether
to issue a tree preservation order.
Metropolitan
Green Belt
Zones of Visibility
The entire Park falls within the Metropolitan
Green Belt, designated under PPG2 (Green
Belts), which restricts the growth of
development in strategic rural areas on the
edge of conurbations.
Policy 114 designates the southern end of
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the Park as a key viewpoint location to the
centre of St Albans, and restricts any
development within the town that would
detract from this valuable asset.
1.2.9 Buildings and Structures
There are a number of buildings situated within the Park. Some of these
buildings are managed directly by the Council, and others are leased to
individuals or organisations or privately owned. The details are shown in the
following table:
Name Location Occupancy / Use Who Maintains it
Off Mud
Lane, near
Holywell Hill
Westminster
Lodge Leisure
Centre
Abbey View
Golf and Track
Inn on the
Park
adiZone
Toddlers
Splash Park
Children’s Play
Area
Beach Volley
Ball courts
Hard Surface
Sports courts
Off Mud
Lane, near
Holywell Hill
Within the
Park near
the
Toddler’s
Splash Park
Centre of
the Park
near the
Play Area
Centre of
the Park
near the
Play Area
Centre of
the Park
near the
adiZone
Centre of
the Park
near the
Play Area
Centre of
the Park
near the
Owned by St Albans City
and District Council and
managed through the
Leisure Management
Contract
Owned by St Albans City
and District Council and
managed through the
Leisure Management
Contract
Owned by St Albans City
and District Council and
leased to Inn on the Park
(St Albans) Ltd
Owned by St Albans City
and district Council and
maintained by the
Grounds Maintenance
Contractor
Owned by St Albans City
and District Council and
managed through the
Leisure Management
Contract
Owned by St Albans City
and district Council and
maintained by the
Grounds Maintenance
Contractor
TBC
Owned by St Albans City
and District Council and
managed through the
23
For the first 12 mouth after
sectional (2012) completion
Wilmot Dixon Ltd. After the
first 12 months Sports and
Leisure Management Ltd
(SLM) will be responsible
for all maintenance
requirements.
Leisure Connection Ltd
Inn in the Park (St Albans
Ltd)
John O’Conner Ltd
Leisure Connection Ltd
John O’Conner Ltd
TBC
Leisure Connection Ltd

Causeway
Toilets Facility
St Michael's
Pavilion and
Toilet Facility
Running Track
Toilet facility
Grebe House
Play Area
At the
southern
end of the
lake
Car Park at
St Michael’s
At the Golf
and Track
Facility
Car Park at
St Michael’s
Leisure Management
Contract
Owned by St Albans City
and district Council and
cleaned by the Grounds
Maintenance Contractor
Owned by St Albans City
and district Council and
cleaned by the Grounds
Maintenance Contractor
Owned by St Albans City
and district Council and
cleaned by the Grounds
Maintenance Contractor
The land is owned by the
Council, a lease
arrangement is in place
and the building is owned
by the Herts and
Middlesex Wildlife Trust
St Albans City and District
Council
St Albans City and District
Council
St Albans City and District
Council
Herts and Middelsex
Wildlife Trust
Verulamium
Museum
Roman Mosaic
/ Hypocaust
Building
English
Heritage
Guardianship
Area
Car Park at
St Michael’s
Within the
Park near
the
Children’s
Play Area
Within the
Park around
the exposed
Roman City
wall and
Ditch
Air Cadet’s Hut Adjacent to
Westminster
Lodge
Sea Cadet’s
Hut
Abbey Theatre
Within the
car park at
Westminster
Lodge
Within the
car park at
Westminster
Lodge
The building is owned
and managed by St
Albans City and District
Council
The building is owned
and managed by St
Albans City and District
Council
The land is owned by the
Council but there is a
guardianship agreement
between the Council and
English Heritage
The land is owned by the
Council and a ground
lease arrangement is in
place. The building is
owned by the Air Cadets
The land is owned by the
Council and a ground
lease arrangement is in
place. The building is
owned by the Sea
Cadets
The land is owned by the
Council and a ground
lease arrangement is in
place. The building is
owned by the Theatre
Trust
24
St Albans City and District
Council – Museum Services
St Albans City and District
Council – Museum Services
Maintenance and
preservation of features and
archaeological remains is
the responsibility of English
Heritage
St Albans Air Cadets
St Albans Sea Cadets
Abbey Theatre Trust

Cricket
Pavilion
Thames Water
Pumping
Station
In the
middle of
the Park
near the
Play Area
In the
middle of
the meadow
in front of
Westminster
The building is owned
and managed by the
Grounds Maintenance
Contractor.
Thames Water owns the
free hold of the land and
building.
St Albans City and District
Council
Thames Water
Lodge
As part of updating its Asset Register the Council has carried out a condition
survey on all the Parks buildings owned and maintained by the Council.
See Appendix 4 - Park Facilities Maintenance Program for further information
about facilities that are managed by the Council
1.2.10 Leases and Agreements
The management and development of the Park needs to take into account a
number of contract lease agreements between the Council and various
stakeholder groups. These include:
• Leisure Management Contracts
The Council's Leisure Management Contracts includes the operation and
management of the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre and the
Abbey View Golf and Running Track Facility, Toddler’s Splash Park, Crazy
Golf Course, Basket Ball Court and the Tennis and Netball courts. This
includes all aspect of grounds maintenance within these facilities.
The new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre is owned by the Council and
managed in partnership with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM)
they are known locally as Everyone Active at Westminster Lodge Leisure
Centre. Everyone Active is responsible for the day to day operation
management of the facility including all bookings. The performance for this
contract is monitored by the Councils Leisure Services Officer.
Contact Details: 01727 736088
Abbey View Golf and Track is owned by the Council and managed in
partnership with Leisure Connection Ltd. Leisure Connection is
responsible for the day to day operation management of the facility
including all bookings. The performance for this contract is monitored by
the Councils Leisure Services Officer.
• Grounds Maintenance Contract
The Council has a grounds maintenance contract with John O’Conner Ltd
who carries out all aspect of grounds maintenance work within the Park
and across the District. The contract was re-tendered during 2006, and a
five year contract was awarded to John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance)
Ltd (JOC), effective from 1 st January 2007. In 2011 the Council approved
the extension of this contract for a further two years. The contractor has
achieved the standard required to be awarded BS EN ISO 9001:2000 for
25

their Quality Management System, and BS EN ISO 14001:2004 for their
Environmental Management System. During 2013 the Councils Grounds
Maintenance Contract will be re tendered with a new contract starting 1 st
January 2014.
The Council monitors the performance of the contractor and conducts
frequent visits to the park, these are both announced and unannounced to
the contractor. In addition to these, the Council also holds a monthly
contract meeting were issues relating to performance are discussed and
actions are agreed.
See Appendix 4 - Grounds Maintenance Standard and Specification for
further information.
• English Heritage Guardianship Area
Large areas of the Park around the exposed Roman Walls and Ditch are
currently managed directly by English Heritage, under a Guardianship Area
agreement. This means that although that land is owned by the Council
English Heritage has full responsibility for the maintenance and
conservation of the Roman Walls, and grounds maintenance. The Council
is planning to take over the grounds maintenance responsibility from
English Heritage and will include these areas within the new Grounds
Maintenance contract starting in 2014.
• Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust - Grebe House
To the south west of the Park stands Grebe House, a timber framed
building that was salvaged from Watford and relocated to the Park in the
late 70s. The land is leased to the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust by
the Council but the building is owned by the trust.
Contact Details: 01727858301
www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
• Inn on the Park
The Inn on the Park is a popularly café located at the northern end of the
park. Though the building is owned by the Council it is operated by the
“Inn on the Park St Albans Ltd” via a lease. All maintenance responsibility
sites with the operator and the Council receives considerable income as a
result of this arrangement.
Contact Details: 01727 838246
www.inn-on-the-park.com
• Ice Cream Concession
The Council has an arrangement in place that enables a street trader to
sell ice creams in each on the Council three Parks. The contract is
currently awarded to the same company that operates the Inn on the Park.
and the Council receives considerable income as a result.
Contact Details: 01727 838246
www.inn-on-the-park.com
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• Fitness Groups
The Council has a permit scheme in place and a number of organisations
are allowed to conduct formal fitness sessions in the Park throughout the
year. They provide an important service to local residents and it is
important that a clear framework is in place to ensure that their activities
do not have a negative impact on the Park and the Park users.
• Abbey Theatre
The current theatre is located within the Park, the land is owned, by the
Council and leased to the Theatre Trust, and the building is owned the
Trust.
Contact Details: 01727 857861
www.abbeytheatre2.org.uk
• Air Cadet’s Hut
The St Albans Air Cadets are based within the Park and lease land from
the Council. The building is owned and maintained by the Air Cadets.
• Sea Cadet’s Hut
The St Albans Sea Cadets are based within the Park and lease land from
the Council. The building is owned and maintained by the Air Cadets
• Pumping Station
A small area of land was sold to a local water supply company (now
Thames Water) in the middle of the Meadow in front of Westminster Lodge
Leisure Centre. The facility is used to pump water out of the ground and
used to supply drinking water to the area. Thames Water is responsible
for all aspects of this facility.
• Television Broadcasting Antenna
The broadcast antenna is located at the boundary of the Park with
Bluehouse Hill and King Harry Lane. The land is leased to the BBC and
they have responsibility for the maintenance of the antenna and all
associated equipment. The site was recently upgraded to support the the
digital switch over in 2012.
27

Chapter 2 The Strategic Context
There are a number of strategies that the Council and its partners are using to
ensure that services are meeting local needs in the best possible way. These
strategies will therefore influence the development of this Management Plan
and in turn, this plan can help contribute to the success of key parts of those
strategies.
2.1 St Albans City and District Council’s Vision and Priorities
St Albans City and District Council has a clear set of visions, aims and
commitments and these are laid out below:
Vision
Our vision, aims and commitments provide the over-riding direction for our
work and help us to play our part in delivering the District’s Sustainable
Community Strategy, produced by the Local Strategic Partnership.
Vision and aims
• To contribute to a high quality of life for all residents
• To deliver excellent services to residents
• To support a cleaner, greener and safer District
• To represent the entire District and deliver localism by working closely
with residents, community groups and Town and Parish council
Commitments
• Protecting the vulnerable
• Planning for the future
• Delivering for young people and families
• Attracting more business and tourism
• Delivering sports and leisure facilities
• Enabling and delivering transport improvements
• District cleaner, greener and safer
• Ensuring value for your money
The corporate plan is structured around the four priorities previously agreed by
Council in February 2010 and in developing the corporate plan for 2012-16 we
will fully reflect the new priorities. The following sections set out how our
priorities will deliver the priorities of the Sustainable Community Strategy,
along with the key milestones to take these forward over the next three years.
Links to the new priorities are also highlighted. We have also identified
supporting initiatives which will help us to address these priorities and to play a
bigger part in delivering the Sustainable Community Strategy’s priorities and
gap areas.
All supporting initiatives will be picked up in the relevant departmental
business plans. In addition to our supporting initiatives, we have a number of
‘statutory services’ which we have a legal obligation to provide and other key
services which we consider central to the aims of the Council. As part of our
budget and corporate planning process we look to minimise our activity on
non-statutory services that are not a priority, in order to make sure that we
focus on delivering our service priorities.
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2.2.1 The Corporate Plan, the Local Development Framework and the
Community Strategy
The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the spatial expression of the
Sustainable Community Strategy and the corporate plan. The LDF is a set of
planning documents which will describe how growth and development should
be guided and managed over the next 20 years. This plan will influence and
support much of our work and will have an impact across our aims on issues
such as the need for additional affordable housing and protecting our natural
and built environment. The corporate plan also links with other local, regional
and national key strategies such as the three-year Local Area Agreement with
Hertfordshire County Council, which sets out targets for our work to make sure
public services across the county continue to improve.
The corporate plan priorities flow through into the departmental business
plans, which identify the work programmes and performance targets for each
of the Council’s departments. Ultimately the work programmes and
performance targets set for individual staff as part of the appraisal process
come from these. The diagram below shows how our corporate plan is shaped
by key external strategies and how it guides the work of the Council.
2.3 St Albans City and District Council's Green Spaces Strategy
The draft Green Spaces Strategy is to be adopted by the Council, and will
include an Action Plan. Work on drafting the strategy is in its final stages. The
strategy will set the overall objectives for all Green Space policy and
management, and it will be linked into the Council’s new Local Development
Framework and City Vision.
The Green Spaces Strategy will allow the Council to put forward a more
rigorous case for additional funding for parks and open spaces, including a
29

larger share of section 106 agreements (planning gain from local
developments).
2.4 St Albans City and District Council's Tree Strategy
First adopted by the Council in 2004 and reviewed in 2010, the Tree Strategy
makes a number of important policy recommendations for the maintenance of
trees in green spaces:
• The Council will seek to create a varied and sustainable tree population
and continue its development and expansion with new planting of amenity
trees
• The Council will aim to encourage and enable better understanding of the
Management of trees in order to promote greater community ownership
and awareness through the tree warden scheme.
• The Council will aim to maintain the highest possible standards of tree care
and management.
.
• Where appropriate the Council will ensure dead and fallen wood is left on
site and dead trees are left standing to encourage the biodiversity of the
site.
• The removal of trees or heavy lopping will be resisted unless there are
sound arboriculture or other reasons
• The Council will aim to maximise the recycling or utilisation of tree related
‘Waste’ created by the Council’s own tree management.
• The Council will endeavour to protect trees and their growing environment
from threats such as: loss of and damage to verges, the activities of
Statutory undertakers and others excavating near trees, and damage from
the over-use of road de-icing salt.
• The Council will ensure that any ancient and veteran trees, for which it is
responsible, are retained and protected as special historical, wildlife and
landscape features.
• Trees will be maintained and reinforced by new planting in areas where
shad is needed in public areas.
2.5 St Albans City and District Council's Health and Safety Policy
It is imperative that any management plan for parks and green spaces meets
the criteria of the Council’s Health and Safety Policy. The Council has
appointed a specialist company to review all of its procedures and risk
assessments and to conduct annual audits on the Grounds Maintenance
Contractors processes and risk assessments.
Health and safety is a key section in the park’s grounds maintenance
specification, with the contractor required to provide a Method Statement
detailing how he will address this area in detail. The Method Statements from
30

the contractor, which formed part of the tender process, will be updated
annually by the contractor as part of their annual plan.
The Park Ranger plays a key role in monitoring the use of the Park and is
supported but other Council Officers who carry out regularly assessments and
checks to ensure that the Park is as safe as it can be. These assessment and
check include:
• Weekly Play Area Inspection
• Annual Play Area inspection and risk assessment
• Legionella Check in Pavilions and toilet facilities
• Electrical testing
• Visual checks of Park furniture
• Footpath inspections
• Water sampling on the Lakes
• Testing of emergency lighting
• Checking other emergency equipment
• Annual servicing of heating systems
• Annual Audit of GM Contractors Systems
2.6 St Albans City and District Council's Graffiti Policy
The Council has now adopted a zero tolerance policy towards the presence of
graffiti anywhere in the District. It has purchased a new van dedicated to the
removal of graffiti and staffed it with a man employed by the cleansing
Contractor - now known as the 'man with a van'.
The Council has widely advertised their new policy, which offers to carry out
free removal of all graffiti visible in public places, provided it has the consent of
the owner of the property on which the graffiti has been placed. Offensive
graffiti will be removed within 24 hours and everything else within a week.
This graffiti policy applies to Verulamium Park, where the Park staff and the
Park Ranger have a duty to monitor graffiti daily and report all instances. The
contract specification requires the contractor to remove all graffiti from the
parks furniture and play equipment, to comply with the Council's district wide
policy.
2.7 Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (HBAP)
In 1998, as Hertfordshire’s response to the establishment of a national
biodiversity framework, a 50-year vision for the wildlife and natural habitats of
the county was prepared on behalf of the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum
by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. This represented the first Biodiversity
Action Plan for the county and was one of the earliest to be produced in
England. In 2002 a Hertfordshire Biodiversity Officer was appointed and in
2006 the plan was reviewed and re-launched.
The BAP identifies those habitats and species which are of priority for
conservation action within the county, and provides a valuable source of
information on the county’s natural assets. The plan forms the framework for
31

action by the Biodiversity Partners, local authorities, businesses and the many
voluntary groups associated with wildlife conservation across the county.
The 50 year BAP groups the many habitats found within Hertfordshire into
seven generic Habitat Action Plans (HAP). Of these seven, the Park is
covered by the Urban HAP, which includes details on managed green spaces
and urban wetlands.
The Conservation Direction for this HAP is to maintain the existing diversity
and extent of wildlife in all urban areas, expanding the range and distribution
of rare and common species and enabling this resource to be utilised as an
educational tool.
The Plan also incorporates a number of Species Action Plans (SAPs) for the
key priority species found in Hertfordshire. SAPs of relevance to Verulamium
include water vole, great crested newt, and stag beetle.
2.8 Local Bylaws
Verulamium Park has its own set of byelaws, which were originally drawn up
nearly 80 years ago. In common with similar byelaws applying to other parks
and Green Spaces they have become dated, and are no longer applicable to
modern day circumstances such as the use of barbecues, motor bikes,
bicycles, amplified music and metal detectors. In addition the maximum fine
for breaking a byelaw is around £2.
The Council has therefore decided to introduce a new single set of byelaws, to
apply to all of its parks and green spaces, including many new sites that had
not had the protection of byelaws in the past.
A draft set of new Bylaws have been drawn up and extensive public
consultation will be carried out in 2013.
32

Chapter 3 The Organisational Context
3.1 Management Structure
The management of the park is the responsibility of St Albans City and District
Council and these responsibility are delivered as shown below:
The management of the Park is the responsibility of St Albans City and District
Council and this responsibility is devolved as follows:
3.2 Park Grounds Maintenance
It is fundamental that any management document for parks and open spaces
takes account of the principles of management and standards of specification
that define how the grounds maintenance works will be delivered. The Council
contracts out the grounds maintenance work in the Park as part of a larger
contract.
The specification is both performance and frequency based and the contractor
is responsible for all grounds maintenance works – including:
• Grass Gutting
• Sweeping of Paths
• Supplying of all labour, machinery, tools, and materials.
• Hedge Maintenance
• Removal of Litter
• Emptying of Litter and Dog Bins
• Removal of Graffiti
• Maintaining the Play Area and adiZone
• Sports Pavilions and Sports Pitches
33

The contractor carries out the specification by using mobile specialist
teams who visit the Park as required, in addion the Park Rangers also
carry out some of these duties.
See Appendix 3 - Grounds Maintenance Specification for further details on
what the grounds maintenance contractor is required to do.
In addition to standard contract requirements the grounds maintenance
specification has a number of specific improvements relating to the Park:
• The contractor is required to provide a Park Ranger service in the Park,
during daylight hours seven days per week. The Park Ranger will be
clearly identifiable, and will be available to address customer enquiries
and deter anti-social behaviour. The Ranger is linked by two way radio to
the Council's CCTV control centre, this scheme is called St Albans
Business Against Crime (SABAC) and this is monitored by the police. If
necessary this link can provide a fast response to emergencies, or if the
Ranger is placed in a threatening situation. The Ranger is also accredited
by Hertfordshire Police and has similar powers to those of a Police
Community Support Officer’s.
• Administer the bookings of the football and cricket pitches, and the
pavilions, through a computerised online booking service, including the
collection of fees and charges.
http://unibase.johnoconner.co.uk/spb/Sites.aspx?C=1
• The recorded inspection of the Park's play area and adiZone, using a new
computer based recording system.
• Carrying out the repairs and annual maintenance of the Park benches.
34

• Staff support for special events in the Park, to include assistance with
setting up and clearing up at a number of named events.
• New requirements for the contractor to adopt sustainable practices. This
includes controlling vehicle emissions, buying locally from sustainable
sources, reducing packaging on materials, reduction in the use of
chemicals, the mulching of all shrub borders and the re-cycling of green
waste.
See Appendix 3 - Grounds Maintenance Specification for further details on
what the grounds maintenance contractor is required to do.
3.3 St Albans City and District Council's Pesticides Policy
The Council requires its grounds maintenance contractor to carry out the
recommendations and policies formerly outlined in the Council’s pesticide
policy and now updated in the Council’s new Sustainable Procurement Policy.
The use of pesticides in the Park has been reduced and replaced with
enhanced horticultural practices. These include:
• The use of weed-killer in shrub borders; to be replaced with mulching.
• The use of weed-killer around tree bases and path edges; to be carried
out with edging tools.
• Mass spraying of paths and roads; to be restricted to spot spraying.
• Restrictions on the use of selective weed-killer, fungicide and worm-killer
on sports surfaces, to be replaced with a greater emphasis on good
horticultural practice. This is to be backed up with an annual soil test to
ensure that fertilisers and chemicals are not being applied needlessly.
.
In 2009 the Grounds Maintenance contractor sub-contracted the weed
spraying out to a specialised company. This company have brought new
solutions to the old problems such as
blanket spraying of weeds on hard
surfaces.
They purchased a machine call Weed-
It. This computer controlled spraying
system allows only the weeds to be
identified (by a laser identifying the
weeds and selectively spraying the
plant with specific nozzles) this has
seen a 50-70 % reduction on the
chemicals used across the District.
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3.4 Budgets
The Councils financial year is 1 st April to the 31 st March. The net budgets for
the next three years are shown below and cover all aspect of routine
maintenance and repairs in the Park:
2013/14 £177’083
2014/15 £177’570
2015/16 £179;759
The Council has a Sustainable Procurement Policy, and this contract operates
under this policy. Additional works in the Park, outside of the contract, are put
out to tender with Local specialist companies. This assists local employment
and promotes competitive pricing.
Chapter 4 The Community Context
The Park is not only a key green space in the District but it also contributes to
a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The CABE report below
shows why this is so important.
4.1 The Value of Public Spaces for our Community
The CABE Space document highlights the value of existing open space,
quoting that over 2.5 billion visits are made each year to urban green spaces.
It states that despite the importance placed on open spaces, and the impact it
has on our lives, a large proportion of these open spaces can be neglected
and taken for granted.
It indicates that the value that open space brings to an area is split into areas
including:
• the impact that a high quality public environment can have on the
economic life of urban areas;
• the important role open space can play in addressing the increasing
obesity and health problems of the nation - open spaces helping to
improve both physical and mental health through encouraging walking,
participation in sport and the enjoyment of a green and natural
environment;
• open space is crucial to child development, and good quality open spaces
can contribute to this development, providing opportunities for fun,
exercise and learning;
• open space can offer the potential for meeting spaces; and
• open space can enhance the cultural identity of an area and can be seen
to provide a sense of place for local communities.
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4.2 Verulamium Park Consultative Forum
While the direct management responsibility for the Park rests with the Council,
the Council attempts to involve the community and the park’s other
stakeholders in its management.
The Consultative Park Forum was created to encourage stakeholder and
community involvement in the management and development of the Park.
The terms of reference were to:
• To provide an openly active line of communication for local groups and
organizations with an interest in the well-being and future enhancement
of the Park.
• To encourage the active support of the local community through the
discussion and dissemination of information of mutual concern.
• To meet twice a year to discuss the issues that affect Verulamium Park,
inviting relevant District Council officers as and when necessary.
While its decisions are non-binding on the Council the forum continues to have
a significant input into the development of the park and now has a
membership that includes:
• District Councillors
• Local residents
• Green Spaces Manager
• Parks and Green Spaces Officer
• Hertfordshire Constabulary
• John O’Conner Ltd (grounds maintenance contractor)
• SLM Ltd (Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre)
• Leisure Connections Ltd (Abbey View Golf and Track)
• Hertfordshire Orienteering Club
• Police Community Team.
• Civic Society
• Abbey Theatre
• Society of St Michael’s and Kingsbury
The Consultative Forum is administered by the Council, and chaired by the
Green Spaces Manager. The Minutes are action based and along with the
agendas are published on the Council website.
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4.3 Friends of Verulamium Park and Community Involvement
Sadly “The Friends of Verulamium Park” recently disbanded due to lack of
support. The Friends worked tirelessly for over ten years to help support the
Park.
At their last AGM, the Friends agreed that the accumulated funds that the
group has raised would be transferred to the Ver Vally Society. The Ver Valley
Society has agreed that this money would be used to support improvements to
the park.
In recent years the Friends of Verulamium Park have, worked with the Council
and others, and replanted a hedge line in Seabrook Meadow. This work has
continued with the Support or the Countryside Management Service and
various volunteer groups.
Despite the “Friends of Verulamium Park” disbanding we have continued to
gain support and involvement from the community.
With the support of the
Countryside Management
Service we have planted
a new hedge line. The
hedge was planted in
November 2012 by a
group or around 50
volunteers (from a multi
faith group) as part of
“Interfaith Week” and we
were joined by Member of
Parliament Eric Pickles -
Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government. Pictured above, from the left. Eric
Pickles MP, Jon Green - Green Spaces Manager and Cllr Chichester-Miles
Minor scrub clearance around tree bases has also been carried out by an
environmental group form a local School.
4.4 Verulamium Park Leaflet
The Council has developed a Park leaflet which is available from Westminster
Lodge Leisure Centre, Abbey View Golf and Track, Verulamium Museum, Inn
on the Park, The Tourist Information Centre and the Council Offices. It can
also be viewed and downloaded from the Verulamium Park web page on the
Council’s website at www.stalbans.gov.uk/verulamiumpark
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Park Leaflet
4.5 Council Web Site
The Council provides a dedicated webpage’s for the Park which forms part of
the Council's web site; this site was has recently received a facelift.
www.stalbans.gov.uk/verulamiumpark
In 2012 Council has launch a visitors website for St Albans. The purpose of
the site is to promote the city and encourage people to visit St Albans.Park.
www.enjoystalbans.com
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4.6 Park Notice Boards
There are five Park notice boards located at the key entrances to Park. These
notice boards show a plan of the Park with a “You are Here” label and detail
key features within the Park. There is space set aside for local community
groups to display posters and notices.
4.7 St Albans City and District Community Safety Strategy
Parks and Green Spaces in the District can contribute significantly to the aims
and objectives of Community Safety, by offering suitable opportunities for the
community to take part in a variety of programmes and activities.
The Park Rangers assist the Community Safety Partnership by
bringing individuals that are causing anti-social behaviour to the attention of
the relevant person or organisation. The Park Ranger is accredited by
Hertfordshire Police which gives the Park Ranger the power to take names
and addresses and confiscate alcohol. Emergency contact details can be
found in the parks notice boards.
St Albans has adopted new legislation to deal with anti-social drinking on the
Streets, and from 1 st January 2006 the area covered by this legislation has
been extended to include Verulamium Park.
St Albans operates a partnership group called the Joint Agency Group (JAG),
which is chaired by Hertfordshire Constabulary. Membership includes officers
from the Council’s Community Safety section, the Parks and Green Spaces
Manager, the Fire Brigade, the County Council, Probation Service and various
Police support officers. The Group meets monthly and reviews current hot
spots for anti-social behaviour and crime. Verulamium has had problem areas,
and JAG has initiated some measures to address anti-social behaviour and
the fear of crime. This includes opening up dialogue with young groups who
like to come to the park and the installation of CCTV on St Albans Abbey and
in the Car Park as well as increasing the patrolling of the park by the local
Police Community Support Officer.
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4.8 Verulamium Park Facebook Page
In 2010 a Facebook page was created by the Council to help promote
activities and events in the Park. The address is as follows:
www.facebook.com/verulamiumpark
Chapter 5 Analysis and Evaluation
In this chapter, analysis is made of the Parks facilities and the activities that
take place. The Need for improvement is highlighted.
5.1 Site Risk Assessment
The Park Risk Assessments is undertaken annually to evaluate the potential
risks throughout the Park to all park users and including Staff and Contractors.
The risk assessment is reviewed and updated every year, and monitored
through the regular Client/Contractor site inspections.
In addition, the Ground Maintenance contractor produces risk assessments for
their activities, staff, and equipment. These are also monitored through the
contract monitoring process.
See Appendix 2 for the site Risk Assessment
5.2 Potential Areas for Improvement
5.2.1 Paths, Road and Cycle Paths
Many of the paths that run through the Park are designated as Public Rights of
Way and the maintenance responsibility for these paths rests with
Hertfordshire County Council. In 2012 Hertfordshire County Council and St
Albans District Council constructed cycling routes within the Park running from
Westminster Lodge to the Roman Museum and from King Harry Lane along
the Causway to the Fighting Cocks Public House.
The annual repair budget is insufficient to cover the larger capital works such
as widening the paths and large areas of resurfacing. Each year sections of
hard surfaces that are in need of minor repairs are identified and tenders are
sent out for this work. The Council will continue during the period of this
management plan to carry annual repairs to the hard surfaces.
The Grounds Maintenance Contractor is required to regularly sweep all paths
and report any defects to the Council.
5.2.2 Car Parks
The development of the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre will seen two
of the three car parks completely redesigned with added capacity.
Construction of the new car parks started shortly after the new Leisure Centre
has opened in November 2012, completion is planned for the end of March
2013.
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5.2.3 Skate Park
Unlike Rothamsted Park in Harpenden, the Park does not have a Skate Park
facility and it has been agreed that the Council will look into the feasibility and
seek funding opportunities that could allow one to be installed in the Park.
5.2.4 Entrances, Gates and Fencing
There are five main entrances to the Park:
• Off Holywell Hill
• Off King Harry Lane – Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre
• Abbey Mill Lane
• St Michael’s Street at the River Ver
• St Michael’s Street at St Michael’s School
In addition to the five main entrances, there is an informal entrance located on
King Harry Lane next to the
lay-by for parking and
pedestrian crossing. The
Council plans, subject to
English Heritage approval, to
create a new formal entrance
with a new vehicle and
pedestrian gated access.
The Park is not locked over
night, though gates and
bollards have been installed at
the main entrances to prevent
unauthorised vehicle access.
Much of the Park boundary is along the River Ver, King Harry Lane and
Bluehouse Hill with a small proportion shared with adjoining landowners. The
boundary of Bluehouse Hill leads on to open countryside and comprises of a
post and rail wooden fence. This fence is in need of repair/replacement and
the Council plans to replace it with a similar fence or plant a sustainable hedge
line.
5.2.5 Woodland Walk
In 2011, the woodland areas around the Roman Wall and Ditch along the
Causeway were identified as an area that could offer a Woodland Walk,
incorporating nature, history, heritage and wildlife in a currently under used but
part of the Park. Working with English Heritage and other partners the Council
began looking into the feasibility of this project in 2011 and will continue in
2012/13, however the project is reliant of element of the cycle path project
being completed . The project represents a major piece of work to conserve
and enhance visitor appreciation and enjoyment of the Roman town defences.
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5.2.6 Cycle Paths
Historically cycling has not been permitted in the Park, but cyclists had used
the Park anyway. In 2012 a new cycle route was constructed and is now
open, though final works will be completed in 2013/14.
5.2.7 CCTV
The Park is currently serviced by a number of CCTV cameras located in the
car parks, on street furniture just outside the park and by a camera located on
the Abbey Tower.
The redevelopment of the Leisure Centre and surrounding car park will include
the replacement of the existing cameras in 2013.
5.2.8 Park Furniture
Benches: There are
approximately 80 benches
in the Park, most of these
are located around the lake
and along the central path
running east to west.
Large proportions of these
benches are Memorial
Benches. The Council, over
a period of time, wishes to
standardise the styles of Park
furniture used within the Park and has chosen a bench style called Stanford
pictured (right and above) for the formal areas and a rustic style for the less
formal areas. The Council will be working with English Heritage to agree new
positions in the less formal areas of the Park, and reposition a number of
benches currently located within the guardianship areas were erosion is
damaging buried archaeological remains.
Members of the public can visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/greenspaces or call
01727 819391 for more information.
Litter Bins: There are approximately 53 litter bins and 13 dog bins located at
various points within the Park. Each of them is checked regularly throughout
the day and emptied as and when needed as specified in the grounds
maintenance specification.
5.2.9 Signage and Interpretation
There is a lack of good signage directing visitors to the Park and around it.
The Council plans to address this by introducing a Park “brand” and installing
new notice boards, welcome signs and finger posts. The Park is an important
wildlife and heritage site and there is also a need to work with partners to
develop and install interpretation boards at key locations around the Park such
at the lakes and Roman Walls.
The key signage and interpretation needs to be addressed are as follows:
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• Main Entrance signs (see section 5.2.4 above)
• Lake, river and wildlife signs
• Roman walls and remains interpretation
• Signage for proposed cycle routes and woodland walk
See Appendix 6 for the Signage and Interpretation Design Brief
The project represent a significant investment and is being funded partly by
the Council and via a section 106 contribution. The new signage is to be
installed early summer 2013.
5.2.10 Lakes
The condition of both lakes is far from perfect with room for improvement.
They have become heavily silted and the over-population of waterfowl and
associated problems with fouling has lead to the water having its oxygen
content depleted by organic nutrients. This has greatly reduced the lakes
ecological value and its aesthetic appeal. A key factor is the large population
of birds being fed by the public. Though we recognise the community and
social value of feeding the birds the Council has, through consultation, decided
to ask the public to not to feed the birds.
The two islands provide a safe habitat for waterfowl, most notably the herons
and the Council will continue to work with partners to improve the island
habitat by removing vegetation that does not provide a stable base for nests.
There is a need to create an area of wetland vegetation alongside the south
east bank of the larger lake to include wildfowl exclusion fencing during
establishment.
The lake surrounds are concrete edged and abut either footpaths or amenity
grass. In some locations, amenity grass is proving to be an inappropriate
option with areas becoming scrappy and rutted from the use of maintenance
equipment on damp ground. These areas could be achieving a lot more with
regards to their biodiversity carrying potential, in addition to their visual appeal.
However, due to the scale of the work and the cost involved it will not be
possible to make significant improvements to the lake during the life of this
management plan.
The Grounds Maintenance Contractor is required to ensure that that lakes are
maintained in a clean and attractive condition. Work that they carry out is
detailed in Appendix 5 – Park Facility Maintenance Program
The Council has considered installing life preservers but following advice from
a Health and Safety Consultant has decided against this option as the
practicalities outweigh the level of risk.
5.2.11 River Ver
The River Ver is an ecologically significant chalk stream, with the capacity for
supporting a diversity of flora and fauna. However, when the lakes were
created in the Park in the early half of the 20 th Century, the River was
canalised, forming an unnatural channel. Currently, the section of the river
44

that runs past the lakes is very slow moving, leading to deposition of silt. In
many areas the river is also covered by a dense tree canopy, allowing little
light through and leading to deposition of leaf litter, as such the Council has
crown reduced a large number of tree to improve this situation
The River is a great asset to the site, both with regards to ecological value and
visitor appeal. There are however, limited opportunities for visitors to get near
to the more interesting stretches of the River, such as in the east part of the
Park, where footpaths are separated from the channel by a fairly dense band
of vegetation. There is a need to improve access to the river and install a
surfaced section of path along the southern section of the river (adjacent to
Westminster Lodge Meadow) over an existing sight-line path.
The Council work closely with the Environment Agency and reports any of
obstructions to the river that could result is flooding. In addition, the Grounds
Maintenance Contractor regularly checks for and remove litter.
5.2.12 Grassland
There is abundance of grassland in the Park and it is important to think
whether the current maintenance regimes are appropriate and cost effective.
For example, there are many sports pitches which, although subjected to more
intensive maintenance and higher costs, serve a valuable recreational
function. There are also areas of amenity grass which receive fairly regular
cutting through the growing season and, although low in biodiversity value,
serve the function of providing space for informal recreation. In other areas
where recreation isn’t as desirable, the focus is more on biodiversity value and
associated relaxed maintenance regimes. Grassland management should
consider how the site is used and where maintenance regimes could be
adapted to provide most benefit.
See Appendix 4 – Grounds Maintenance Specification for further information.
5.2.13 Woodland
The woodland in the Park is fairly limited and mainly concentrated in the south
side of the Park around the Roman Wall which is currently maintained by
English Heritage. The area has significance for both biodiversity and visitors,
and management of it should aim to benefit both. For example, current
access through the woodland, along the path from King Harry Lane, is quite
dark due to dense canopy; therefore there is a need to thin the canopy. This
would not only increase the attractiveness and security of the path, but also
help encourage woodland flora and enhance the visual character and
structural stability of the Roman Wall.
There is a need to improve public access to other parts of the woodland and
making them more of a visitor feature. The creation of the “Woodland Walk”
will be the first of this type of project (see 5.2.5).
There is also a number of existing projects in operation, carried out in
partnership with the Friends Group and CMS, that aim to manage parts of the
woodland to assist the regeneration of self seeded trees and these need to be
developed further.
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In addition, an area of unused lane adjacent to the Park at the bottom of
Abbey Mill Lane is owned by the Council and we have produced a small green
Spaces Action plan for this area. This document is available upon request
See Appendix 4 – Grounds Maintenance Specification for further information.
5.2.14 Hedgerows
The hedgerows across the site of varying degrees of quality and condition. In
some places, undermining by rabbits is destroying the hedge. The hedgerows
are important ecological corridors/habitats and landscape visual features, and
should be retained and enhanced where possible. The Council has recently
secured consent from English Heritage to plant a new hedge line in Bell
Meadow and will continue working with the Friends of Verulamium Park and
other Community Groups to continue to plant the hedge line on Seabrook
Meadow. Running through the centre of the Park is an ancient hedgerow that
divides the formal and informal part of the Park.
We plan to regenerate this hedgerow, and in doing so will ensure that it
includes a mix of native species used of local providence, characteristic of the
area, we will also allow a number of ‘standards’ to grow up to maturity, rather
than cutting the whole hedge.
5.2.15 Trees
See Appendix 4 – Grounds Maintenance Specification for further information.
The Park has a good stock of mature trees that are fundamental to its
parkland character. These include significant features, such as the avenues
that area remnant of the old field boundaries. At some point in the future
these trees will die and/or need to be felled, which will have a significant
impact on the Park. Therefore, management of the site should be looking to
retain the Park’s distinctive character in the long term through establishing
new tree planting that will eventually replace the mature tree stock.
Tree planting in the Park is constrained by its ancient monument status so
large areas within it cannot be used because of buried archaeological
remains.
The Council also has a Memorial Tree Programme where designated locations
have been agreed with English Heritage that allows the Council to plant
specimen trees in memory of a friend / relative or to celebrate an event. This
programme will be developed further. In addition to the memorial tree planting
scheme the Council will being working with English Heritage
5.2.16 Bird Wildlife Area
Located adjacent to Grebe House there is a small section of land that used to
be occupied by a small zoo some 30 years ago. The area of land until
recently was completely overgrown and unused. During spring 2012 the area
was seeded with native flower meadow grass. Working with The Herts and
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Middlesex Wildlife Trust, the plan is to investigate using the area as a feeding
area for birds. This will provide an important educational experience for
visitors to the Park.
5.2.17 Children’s Play Area
The play area is enclosed by a fence and and the site maintenance is included
within the grounds maintenance contract. The contract specification requires
the contractor to carry out daily recorded inspections, and to carry out minor
repairs. More major repairs and improvements are carried out by the Council.
The whole site is inspected annually in December, by an independent
company. The company's detailed annual report is used by the Council to
guide its annual playground repairs and improvements programme, with the
work carried out during the following April to October period.
See Appendix 4 – Grounds Maintenance Specification for further information.
5.2.18 Activities for Young People
Working in partnership with contractors and community partners, the Council
has designed and developed two community based activity programmes,
(Mobile Skate Park and Play/Sport in the Parks). The aim of both programmes
is to engage children and young people in quality, accessible and inclusive
play and free-time opportunities; with each programme being based on an
assessment of local needs and designed to address gaps in local provision.
Both programmes operate in the Park during school holiday periods.
The Sports in the Park programme originally started in a small number of open
spaces in 1999, with support and funding from the Early Years Childcare
Development Partnership. Over the years the programme has developed and
is now fully funded by the Council, and delivered through the St Albans Arts,
Sport and Health Development Team.
The key aim of the project is to provide opportunities for children and young
people aged between 5 – 12 years of age, to access free quality and inclusive
sport and physical activity sessions within their local community. Traditionally
the project has operated during the summer school holiday period.
In 2008 the Council successfully secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund to
improve play and free-time provision across the District. The funding enabled
the Council to expand the Sports in the Parks project by introducing Play in the
Parks, and implementing a new Mobile Skate Park provision; both schemes
offer children and young people aged 5 to 16 years more opportunities to
access free inclusive play and free-time activities in local parks and open
spaces. As all of the above has been very successful, it is the intention to
continue to develop these opportunities further depending on funding.
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5.2.19 Public Toilets
There are three sets of public toilets situated in the park. These are located at
Abbey View Golf and Track, on the Causeway at the end of the Lake and at
the car park at the Roman Museum.
The public toilets have provision for the disabled, and are opened, cleaned
and inspected through the grounds maintenance contract.
See Appendix 5 - Park Building Maintenance Program for further information
5.2.20 Interpretation of Buried Roman Walls and Buildings
Interpretation of the known archaeological features is limited and needs
improving see section 5.2.9. However there is also a need to provide
interpretation for buried sites. In previous years the layout of known Roman
building under the ground has been marked on the grass using a GPS plotter
and sports pitch line marking equipment. We will continue to mark out the
layout of known buildings under the ground. The Verulamium Museum
produces an interactive tour of the Park and the marked out buildings were an
important feature for the tour.
The Museum Service, with the support of English Heritage plan to investigate
ways to improve interpretation of buried buildings.
In addition, the Council will plant flower meadows along the lines of the Roman
City Wall to provide an educational and interpretational tool for museums.
Working with English Heritage the Council will investigate the feasibility of
conducting grounds maintenance within the guardianship areas on behalf of
English Heritage. This will help to improve the look and feel of these areas as
they will be maintained to the same standard as the rest of the Park.
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5.2.21 Cricket Squares and Pavilion
The cricket pavilion is not currently used to its full potential and is left empty
most of the year. Working with the grounds maintenance contractor the
Council will work in increase it use.
5.2.22 Orienteering Course
Working in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Orienteering Club, an
orienteering course has been laid out across the Park, and a leaflet produced
to assist users of the course. The leaflet can be downloaded from the
Council's web site, or purchased for a small fee from the Leisure Centre. This
needs to be promoted further over the next five years.
5.2.23 BBQ Areas
There are currently no official BBQ areas in the Park. However, after a
successful trial in another park, it is intended to introduce official areas in
Verulamium Park in the future.
5.2.24 Picnic Benches
Barbeque area in Rothamsted Park,
Since the Toddler’s Splash Park opened the Council has received feedback
from users asking the provision of picnic benches. New picnic tables have
been purchased and installed around the Toddlers Splash Park.
5.2.25 Park’s Buildings – Maintenance and Repairs
The Council has devised an annual planned maintenance and repairs
programme for all the park's buildings, following site inspections by the
Council's Building Surveyor.
See Appendix 5 – Park Facility Maintenance Program. for further information
These facilities are currently managed by Leisure Connection and the Council
will continues to monitor the contractor’s performance and identify
improvements that need to be taken.
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Chapter 6 Action Plans and their Implementation
6.1 Aims and Objectives of the Action Plans
The Action Plans (set out in Appendix 1) have been established to achieve the
vision, aims and objectives set out below. The plans take the format of annual
work sheets, addressing activities that fall outside of the general contracted
maintenance operations. They cover the period from April 2012 to March 2017
inclusive. In some cases, tasks are ongoing and so appear on more than one
action plan.
Column 1 and 2 of the action plan lists the management objective for each
particular task. In many instances, a work activity will fulfil a number of
objectives, and so it should be noted that each action has been put against
what has been considered to be its primary objective. Column 3 briefly
identifies the action with further information provided in an external document of
specifications, referenced in Column 7. Column 4 sets out the organisation/s
responsible for delivery of the stated action (see list of abbreviations below),
and Columns 5 and 6 give the estimated cost for carrying out the works, and
how the cost is intended to be covered.
ABBREVIATIONS
CMS
EH
FoVP
GM
HA
HMWT
IotP
RSPB
SADC
ST
VM
Countryside Management Service
English Heritage
Friends of Verulamium Park
Grounds Maintenance Contractor
Highways Authority (Herts CC)
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Inn on the Park
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
St Albans City and District Council
Sustrans
Verulamium Museum
At the end of each annual period, the action plan will be updated to show the
progress of the activities for that year. In theory, all should be marked as
complete in Column 8, but if for any reason actions haven’t been achieved,
details are to be recorded here. If appropriate, remnant activities can then be
moved in to one of the future actions plans.
The Action Plans are based on the following aims and objectives:
A - HISTORIC LANDSCAPE, ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION
To protect the nationally significant archaeological remains and historic
landscape, and to develop and promote their interpretation and
enjoyment through additional educational opportunities.
A1
Ensure above ground historic features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed to ensure their preservation
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A2
A3
Conserve the landscape character of the site and its relationship with St
Albans and the wider landscape
Develop and promote a greater understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of the post-Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic landscape history is reflected in the park.
B - WELCOMING AND ACCESSIBLE
To provide clear, safe and welcoming access into and throughout the
Park
B1
B2
B3
B4
Improve all site entrances to form welcoming, appealing gateways to
the Park
Ensure that visitors are able to successfully navigate to, from, and
around the Park
Provide a suitable network of accessible paths and transport routes
throughout the Park
Ensure that visitors feel safe and secure in all areas of the Park
C - NATURE CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY
To maintain and enhance the quality and value of the Park’s habitats
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
Improve the ecology and biodiversity value of water bodies within the
Park
Manage grassland throughout the Park to reflect the needs of
recreation and biodiversity
Develop a network of well managed hedgerows
Manage woodland areas for the benefit of both wildlife and park visitors
Manage and enhance certain areas for the particular benefit of wildlife
conservation
D - BUILDINGS AND FURNITURE
To ensure all fixtures, fittings and buildings in the Park are in safe and
serviceable condition and, where appropriate, of uniform design
D1
D2
D3
D4
Establish and introduce a standard, uniform design of furniture
Ensure all fixtures and fittings are maintained in a serviceable, safe and
attractive condition
Remove clutter and poorly sited furniture
Ensure the upkeep of all buildings in a safe and serviceable condition,
and used to their full potential
E - RECREATION AND EVENTS
To develop new and innovative ways to attract a wider variety of visitors
to the Park, and to fully realise its value as a site of open space
E1
E2
Ensure existing recreational facilities are maintained in safe and
serviceable condition, and improved and upgraded as required
Provide new recreational facilities where need and/or opportunity has
been identified
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E3
Develop an annual programme of events with partners and key
stakeholders and communicate
F - MONITORING AND REVIEW
To learn from experience and judge effectiveness of management in
order to refine work programmes and make best use of scarce
resources
6.2 Monitoring the Action Plans
The Verulamium Park Management Plan is intended to cover a period of five
years, from January 2012 to March 2017. It is recognised that developing a
management plan is only the start. What is also required is a system to
deliver, monitor and evaluate the delivery and effectiveness of the plan, and
identify any areas for change. There are a number of ways that this will be
achieved:
• The management plan contains five annual action plans, one for each year
of the plan. They detail specific targets arising out of the analysis of the
Parks strengths and weaknesses, and public feedback. The actions
identify resources and timescales for completing every task.
• The specific targets will be fed into the departmental work programme of
Community Services, allocated to a named officer and monitored by the
Green Spaces Manager.
• Any programmes that have attracted financial support, in the way of capital
funding, will be monitored by the capital programmes joint officer group,
who report directly to the Head of Community Services.
• The main annual actions will be highlighted on a map of Verulamium Park,
and displayed permanently on the Park’s public notice boards. The Park
users are therefore being invited to monitor the plans and their progress.
• The entire management plan, together with its annual action plans will be
available to view, and download from the Council’s web site.
• A progress report will be prepared for discussion at the twice yearly
meeting of the Parks Forum.
6.3 Measures of Success
The action plans and their specific targets need to be achievable, even if they
are targets that stretch the capabilities and resources of all concerned.
Otherwise there will be large scale failure which will destroy the confidence in
the management plan and in the process. Success will be evaluated in the
following ways:
• The completion of every specific task, within time and within the resources
allocated.
• Feedback from the Park Forum at its twice yearly meetings.
52

• Feedback from the park users.
6.4 Action Plan Review
There will be an annual review starting with the autumn meeting of the Parks
Forum. The review will be officer led and will take into account the public
feedback during the year.
The annual review will also take into account any new policy or financial
changes, either from the Council or the Government, that may affect the plans
already set within the management plan.
The annual plan just completed will have a column added showing the
outcomes against each target, and the following annual plans will be adjusted
if necessary, and by general agreement, to reflect the outcomes of the review.
In the final year of the management plan a more wide ranging review will be
held, and the plan rewritten to include a fresh analysis of the park.
53

APPENDIX 1 Location of Car Parks
54

Date: 18/02/2013
Scale: - 1:8000
© Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100018953

APPENDIX 2 Park Risk Assessment
55

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Activity / Area Being Assessed:
Department
Section
Location:
Persons at Risk:
Assessor’s Name:
Assessor’s Job Title:
Site Risk Assessment
Community Services
Park and Green Spaces
Verulamium Park
Monitoring Officers, Site Users, Contractors
Daniel Flitton
Green Spaces Officers
Date of Assessment: 5 th Febuary 2013
Assessor’s Signature:
Review (by) Date:
Legislation Applicable:
Feb 2014
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, work place regulations,
1

Ref
1
2
3
4
5
Hazard
Contractors
Weather
Conditions
Uneven
Terrain on
open ground
Dogs
Sharps
Who may be
affected
All staff and
public
All Staff
All Staff and
members of
the public
All Staff
All Staff and
members of
the public
Expected Consequence Existing control Measure L S R
Potential accident as a
result of the contractor
failing to comply with
H&S regulations
Lightening strike, wet
and slippery conditions.
Falls, Ankle injury
Dog attack
Gog mess
Needle stick injury and
exposure to biological
hazards
The contractor carries out risk
assessments of work activates.
Contract Specification and conditions of
contract define standard to be achieved.
Staff are issued with PPE, jackets,
trousers and boots.
During stormy weather when lightening is
experienced staff are instructed to take
shelter indoors or inside a car but NOT
under any trees.
Some areas of the park flood when the
river is high, in such situations the Park
Ranger will close footpaths as required.
Staff are issued with Wellington boots
and safety boots as needed.
During wet and icy condition
consideration is given to rescheduling
the inspection
Staff are issued with personal alarms.
Staff are issued with mobile phones.
Any incidents are reported to the
Councils HR department.
The Park Ranger and other maintenance
will remove dog mess as they find it.
Staff have been given bio hazard and
sharps training.
The GMC is contracted to remove all bio
hazards as and when they are identified.
Staff are not required to clean up or
remove needles or bio hazards.
The GMC conduct a regular litter pick at
the site
Additional Control
Measures
L S RR
2 2 4 2 2 4
2 2 4 2 2 4
2 2 4 2 2 4
2 2 4 2 2 4
1 4 4 1 4 4
Date
Completed
2

Ref
6
7
8
9
Hazard
Asbestos
Toilets
Facilities
Play Areas /
adiZone
Equipment
Trees
Who may be
affected
All staff and
Contractors
All Staff,
Contractors
and members
of the public
All Staff and
members of
the public
All Staff and
members of
the public
Expected Consequence Existing control Measure L S R
Exposure to Asbestos
Infection from Bio
Hazards, slip on wet
floors
Personal injured as a
result of damaged
equipment or misuse
Injury as a result of a
falling Tree or tree
branch.
Were staff suspect that fly tipping may
contain asbestos it is reported to the
technical services depart who arrange for
it to be removed by an approved
contractor
An asbestos survey has been carried out
on each of the Councils buildings and
action taken as required.
The toilet facilities are regularly checked
and cleaned throughout the day.
Wet floor sign are put in place when the
floor is wet.
The facilities are fitted with automatic
lights
In the event that the facility is out of use
or unsafe the Park Ranger will close the
facility until it is made safe.
The GMC conduct regular check on play
equipment.
Any faults are repaired or reported to the
Technical Services team who will
arrange for the repairs to be carried out.
Signs are installed at both the toddlers
play area and adiZone giving details of
the how and who should use the
equipment.
An annual Inspection is conducted by the
Play Area inspection company. This
assessment includes a risk assessment
and a report that details what action is
required and its priority.
A tree survey has been conducted and
action is taken based on a trees risk
score.
Minor work is carried out on trees as and
when it is needed.
Any trees that pose a possible hazard
Additional Control
Measures
2 1 2 2 1 2
1 4 4 1 4 4
1 2 2 1 2 2
1 4 4 1 4 4
L
S
RR
Date
Completed
3

Ref
10
Hazard
Paths
Who may be
affected
All Staff and
members of
the public
Expected Consequence Existing control Measure L S R
Injury as a result of
tripping or slipping on
damaged or dirty path
surface.
due to hung limbs are reported to the
Trees and Woodland Team and the area
if fenced off by the Park Ranger
The Park Ranger regularly patrols the
Park and any damage is reported to the
Parks and Green Spaces Team who will
arrange for Technical Services to carry
out repairs.
The path surfaces are cleaned of a
regular basis by the GMC.
Additional Control
Measures
2 2 4 2 2 4
L
S
RR
Date
Completed
11
Visits to
Lake Islands
Staff and
partner
organisations
Getting wet, Downing,
and contamination from
dirty water.
A small boat is used to travel to and from
the islands.
Life jackets are issued.
An emergency pack containing blankets,
first aid kit, and mobile phone will be
located on the shore.
A safe system of work is written for each
visit to the islands.
A person will stay on sore and supervise
in case assistance is needed.
2 3 6 2 3 6
12
Events
All
Injury and Accidents as
a result of inappropriate
and poorly managed
events
An application to hold an event in the
Park is required.
The event organisers produce a risk
assessment specific to that event.
The Council submits the event
application and risk assessment to the
Safety Advisory Group and will either
approve or declined the event application
based on the feedback from the group.
The Council conducts onsite supervision
of event held in the Park.
1 4 4 1 4 4
4

Ref
13
14
Hazard
Vehicles
moving
around the
Park
Cycling
16 Abbey View
Golf Course
and Running
Track
17
18
19
20
21
22
Toddlers
Splash Park
Netball,
Tennis and
basket Ball
Inn on the
Park
Who may be
affected
All
All
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Expected Consequence Existing control Measure L S R
Injury as a result of
collision with vehicle
and trip, slip and fall
because of damaged
grounds
Collision between
Cyclist and pedestrian,
fall form bicycle
resulting in injury
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Crazy Golf n/a n/a
Beach
Courts
Pavilions
Electricity
All
All
All
Injury as a result of
damaged equipment
and contaminated sand
Injury as a result of
damaged equipment
and structures
Injury as a result of
faulty or damaged
electrical systems
Access to the Park is restricted and
speeds are limited to 5mph. hazards
warning light are to be turned on.
Designated routes have been defined
within the park and a code of conduct is
in place
This facility is managed by Leisure
Connection Ltd. Refer to their risk
assessment
This facility is managed by Leisure
Connection Ltd. Refer to their risk
assessment
This facility is managed by Leisure
Connection Ltd. Refer to their risk
assessment
This facility is managed by the Inn on the
Park. Refer to their risk assessment
This facility is managed by Leisure
Connection Ltd. Refer to their risk
assessment
TBC. The facility is not yet open to the
public.
The buildings are regularly checked by
the Park ranger.
Routine checks and Maintenance work is
carried out by the Council.
Any portable equipment used in Council
building is PAT tested
A fixed electrical test is carried out on
each facility provided by the Council, and
2 2 4
2 2 4
Additional Control
Measures
Investigate and
Indroduce a
Vehicel Permit
system setting out
code of practice
Indroduce cycling
policy and code of
conduct
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
L
S
RR
1 2 2
2 2 4
1 2 3 1 3 3
1 4 4 1 4 4
Date
Completed
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
5

Ref
Hazard
Who may be
affected
Expected Consequence Existing control Measure L S R
action taken as required.
Additional Control
Measures
L
S
RR
Date
Completed
23
Legionella All Legionella Infection
A specific Legionella risk Assessment is
carried out on each facility by an
approved contractor.
Routine program of work is in place.
The Council arranges for water sampling
to be carried out at each facility annually
Risk Assessment Reviewed as acceptable
by Accountable Manager
Jon Green
Signature
Date 8 th Feb 2013 Job Title Green Spades Manager
6

RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
1. Methodology
The Risk Assessment should be conducted by a competent person and completed through information obtained by observation, interviewing key staff and the
review of documentation.
2. Hazard and Risk
A hazard is something which has the potential to cause harm; a risk is the potential that the harm from a hazard will occur given the adequacy of the existing
arrangements. Therefore to assess risk, the controls, procedures, and working practices are examined.
3. Assessing Risk
R = Risk, L = Likelihood, S = Severity, RR = Residual Risk
Risk = Likelihood x Severity. To estimate likelihood and severity the following ranking classification should be used:
a) Likelihood
• Very Unlikely – There is a 1 in a million chance of the hazardous event happening (1)
• Unlikely – There is a 1 in a 100,000 chance of the hazardous event happening (2)
• Fairly Likely – There is a 1 in a 10,000 chance of the hazardous event happening (3)
• Likely - There is a 1 in a 1,000 chance of the hazardous event happening (4)
• Very Likely - There is a 1 in a 100 chance of the hazardous event happening (5)
b) Severity
• Insignificant – No injury (1)
• Minor – Minor injuries needing first aid (2)
• Moderate – Up to three days absence (3)
• Major – More than three days absence (4)
• Catastrophic – death (5)
The following hazard matrix should then be used to calculate the risk rating for the activity:
7

Severity
Very Likely 5 5 10 15 20 25
Likelihood
Likely 4 4 8 12 16 20
Fairly Likely 3 3 6 9 12 15
Unlikely 2 2 4 6 8 10
Very Unlikely 1 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
The following table should then be used to rate the risk and plan corrective action:
Risk Level Tolerability Comments
1 – 4 Acceptable No further action required, but ensure
controls are maintained
5 – 9 Adequate Look to improve at the next review
10 – 16 Tolerable Look to improve within a specified
timescale
8

APPENDIX 3 - Grounds Maintenance Plan
56

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Amenity
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Bedding
Cricket Outfield
Cricket Square
Eco Tone A
Eco Tone B
Football Pitch Junior
Hard Surface
Lake
Pavilion
Play Area
Public Toilets
River
Shrub Bed
Spring meadow
Summer Meadow
Tall Herb
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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011

APPENDIX 4 Grounds Maintenance Standards and
Specification
57

Verulamium Park Grounds Maintenance Specification
Regime
Amenity
grass cutting
Standard required
Applies to all general grass areas, with grass heights being kept
within the range of 25-60
mm. Cuttings not collected
Though this item is a performance specification the Contractor will
normally cut to the following frequencies.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - 1 3 4 4 4 2 2 2 1 -
Regime
Park Ranger
Standard required
As a way of promoting the community safety in parks, the Contractor
is to provide a Park Rangers in Verulamium Park. The Park Rangers
will be required to be present Park from 7.00am to dusk all year
round. The Park Rangers will carry out other appropriate ground
maintenance duties within the parks, however these duties must not
render them unapproachable e.g. tractor driving.
Routine duties will include:
• Emptying litter Bins
• Speaking to members of the public
• Carrying out minor repairs
• Cleaning furniture
• Assisting with Events
• Communication with the Police regarding antisocial behaviour
Rangers must wear florescent yellow coats or other highly visible
clothing with “Park Ranger” clearly visible from a distance on their
back. The Rangers shall be approachable by the public, resolve
issues if possible, and should report incidents of anti-social behaviour
that they cannot resolve to the Supervising Officer e.g. drug dealing
and use, bullying, incidents contrary to the parks byelaws or those
that prevent enjoyment of the facilities by other park users. In
summary the Rangers should be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Council at
all times.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
31 28 31 30 31 30 31 31 30 31 30 31

Regime
Shrub
borders
Standard required
All shrub borders are to be mulched, and the mulch topped up as
required. Weeds removed and shrubs pruned as per the
requirements of the species, to develop strong, healthy, and stable
plants where growth is not allowed to obstruct adjacent paths,
buildings or grass areas.
In the contract shrub borders are a performance item, however we
would normally expect theses to be visited on a monthly basis
throughout the year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Regime
Hedges
Standard required
All hedges are to be cut 4 times per year, in May, July, Sept and
November. The hedges are to be cut back to the start of the season’s
growth, and all cuttings collected and taken to a green waste site.
Certain species of hedge may not be vigorous enough to require all 4
cuts. Rogue species, growing in the hedges, are to be removed
during the cutting operation.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - -
Regime
Football
pitches
senior and
junior
Standard required
The pitches are hired by local clubs, usually for the season and
include hiring out a pavilion for changing facilities. The pitches are
marked out by the Council’s contractor, who also supplies the posts
and nets and carries out maintenance and reinstatement works
during - and at the end of the playing season.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Spike 1 1 1 1 1
Roll 1
Top Dress 1
Spray Selective 1
Fertilise 1
Harrow 1 1 1 1 1
Cut 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
Set & Mark 1
Overmark 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Seed 1
Install Goal
Posts
Take Down
Goal Posts
1
1

Regime
Cricket
pitches
Standard required
Two cricket pitches are provided for hire by local Cricket Clubs. The
maintenance of the squares and outfields requires specialist green
keeping skills. Individual wickets are prepared and marked out before
each game.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cut Table 1 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 1
Cut Wicket 8 8 8 8 8
Cut Boundary 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 2 1
Set & Mark
1
Boundary
Over Mark
Boundary
4 4 4 4 4
Mark Wicket 4 4 4 4 4
Spike 1
Scarify 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
Roll 1 2 4 4 4 4 4
Top Dress
(Surrey Loam)
Repair Wicket 4 4 4 4 4
Over Mark
Wicket
4 4 4 4 4
Seed 1
Fertilise 1
Spray Selective 1
Moss Treat (if
required)
1
1

Regime
Children’s
play area
and adiZone
Standard required
The children’s play area and adiZone receive a number of different
inspections and routine maintenance works throughout the year.
Daily - The Park Ranger visually inspects the facilities each day to
ensure that they are safe and clean
Weekly - Ensure security of all fixings and integrity of structures;
cleanse all equipment and remove litter, detritus including broken
glass.
Quarterly – Visually inspect and lubricate all equipment according to
manufacturer’s guidelines and carry our repairs as needed.
Annual Safety Inspection – The Play Area Inspection company
conduct in December of each year an inspection of each item of
equipment and provides a written report with a risk assessment. The
report also sets out any work that is needed to the equipment.
The Contractor is required to carry out repairs as and when needed
and to cover the cost of the first £100 of any problem.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daily Check 31 28 31 30 31 30 31 31 30 31 30 31
Weekly
Inspection
5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4
Quarterly
Inspection
- 1 - - 1 - - 1 - - 1 -
Annual Safety
Inspection
- - - - - - - - - - - 1
Regime
Park’s
furniture
Standard required
The Park Ranger will each day inspect the park on his or her rounds.
In addition, all furniture is cleaned and graffiti removed as and when
needed.
Damaged furniture repaired if possible or removed from site
immediately if unsafe
Other parks furniture, such as bins and signs are to be kept clean and
painted as required. Where damage is beyond reasonable repair,
then they will be replaced by the Council
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
31 28 31 30 31 30 31 31 30 31 30 31

Regime
Hard
surfaces
Standard required
Hard surfaces include paths and roadways are swept and kept litter
and debris free. Weeds and moss are to be removed or treated if
needed. In the autumn leaves are also removed as needed. Pot holes
will be repaired as and when they occur, and an annual repairs
programme is aimed at resurfacing sections of path where the
surface is starting to break up.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sweeping 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Weed
Treatment
- - - - 1 - 1 - - 1 - -
Regime
Litter bins
and dog bins
Standard required
All litter and dog bins are to be emptied each day before 10am and as
and when required on additional occasions throughout the day to
prevent them becoming more than three-quarters full:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Regime
General litter
Standard required
The contract requires that litter and other deleterious are collected
and removed in and the Park is kept litter free at all times. This work
will normally be carried out by the Park Ranger
The specification defines litter among other things as, dog faeces,
leaves, any rubbish dropped or left by members of the public and
fallen branches.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Regime
Summer
Meadow
Standard required
Summer flowering meadows are cut in April cut to 100 mm and
again in October to 100mm after plants have set seed.
The arisings are removed from site immediately after the April cut and
between three and seven days after the October cut. no less than
three and no more than seven days after cutting, either as hay or
forage material, on the October cut: all proceeds shall accrue to the
Contractor. No pesticides or weed killers are used on the Summer
Meadow.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Litter Pick - - 1 - 1 - - - 1 - 1 -
Cut - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - -

Regime
Spring
Meadow
Standard required
Spring flowering meadows will require a mid or late summer cut to
100mm after plants have seeded. Arsings are removed from the site
between three to seven days after cutting.
The meadow should then be cut to 50mm on a monthly basis for a
further three cuts and the arisings left on site.
No pesticides or weed killers are used on the Spring Meadows.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Litter Pick 1 1
Cutting 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Regime
Tall Herb
Standard required
Tall Herb is rough areas that often follow the boundary of sites. The
purpose of this cut is to ensure that these areas do not become
overgrown and turn in to scrub. They are cut once a year to 10cm in
March. All arisings are removed from site and recycled.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Litter Pick - 1 - 1 - - - - - - - -
Cut - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
Regime
Eco Tones
Standard required
Eco Tones are areas that require cutting only once every 3 years to
prevent succession. The aim is to minimise disturbance to the wildlife
so they have been divided into areas marked “Eco Tone A” and “Eco
Tone B”.
“Eco Tone A” was cut in the 3rd and 6 th year of the contract and “Eco
Tone B” was cut in the 4th year and will be cut in the 7 th year of the
contract. The areas are cut to10cm in March and arisings are
removed from site and recycled.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Eco Tone A - - - - - - - - - - - -
Eco Tone B - - 1 - - - - - - - - -

Regime
The Lakes
Standard required
The Contractor will maintain lakes and river banks.
The Lakes are to be kept were possible free of litter, rubbish, dead
animals and dead and/or invasive plants. This includes large build
ups of weed and duckweed.
In addition, scum and debris around the edges of the lakes will be
netted off daily by the Contractor.
On a weekly basis and when the water is above 10c the contactor
applies a biological treatment to the water. This treatment reduces
nutrient levels which help to keep the water clear and healthy.
The contractor will deal with injured waterfowl and in such situation
this may entail putting them into holding cages and calling in the
RSPCA for assistance.
Additional contract staff will be brought in to remove litter and other
debris from the water
Litter and Scum
Removal
Water
Treatment
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
31 28 31 30 31 30 31 31 30 31 30 31
5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4
Regime
Standard required
Public Toilets The three sets of public toilets are to be opened and closed by the
Contractor 365 days a year.
On a daily basis the contractor shall at all times maintained the
facilities in a clean, tidy and well stocked condition, and shall report
any faults or vandalism to Council who will arrange for repairs to be
carried out.
In addition to the daily cleaning the Contractor will also carry out a
monthly deep clean of each facility.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daily Cleaning 31 28 31 30 31 30 31 31 30 31 30 31
Monthly Deep
Clean
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Regime
Pavilions
Standard required
The contractor is required to clean each facility of a weekly basis and
after each use. Any problem or faults that are found are reported to
the Property Services team to action
The contractor also manages the sports bookings and this includes
the letting of sports pavilions in the park. The pavilion hire is usually
associated with the hire of the football or cricket pitches, but isnot
exclusively so.
Weekly
Cleaning and
after use
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4

APPENDIX 5 Park Facilities Maintenance Program
58

Park Buildings Maintenance Programme
All park building are visited on a daily and weekly basis by the Grounds
Maintenance Contractor, any problems and faults that they identify are report
to the Property Service team who arrange for repairs to be carried out.
A legionella Risk Assessment is carried on each facility and is reviewed every
two years. The Pavilions were last assessed in 2012. Any actions that have
been recommended or that are required as a result of the risk assessment are
carried out by the Property Services team.
A full electrical inspection is carried out every five year. This is done to ensure
that all electrical installations comply with the current regulations.
A gas boiler is installed at St Michael’s Changing Roomsand Public Toilets.
The gas installation is inspected and serviced each year.
Emergency lighting is Services twice a year and fire extinguishers are
serviced one a year.
The Causeway Toilet was refurbish in 2010 and the Running Track in 2012.
This routine covers the following Facilities:
• Causeway Toilets
• Running Track Toilet Facility
• Cricket Pavilion
• St Michaels’ Pavilion and toilet Facility
Action By Who
When
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Legionella Property
Assessment Services
Next due 2014
Monthly
Sub
Legionella
Contractor
Checks
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Quarterly Sub
Checks Contractor
- - 1 - - 1 - - 1 - - 1
Tank Cleaning, Sub
(twice yearly) Contractor
- - - - 1 - - - - - - -
Water
Sub
Sampling Contractor
- - - - - - - - - - - 1
Electrical Sub
Inspection Contractor
Next due 2016
Emergency Sub
- - - - - 1 - - - - - 1
lLighting
Fire
Extinguishers
Gas Safety
Report and
Boiler
Servicing
Contractor
Sub
Contractor
Sub
Contractor
- - - - 1 - - - - - - -
- - - - 1 - - - - - - -
Decorations
Sub
Contractor
Next due 2016

The Lake
The Contractor will maintain the lakes together with all equipment in an
attractive and healthy condition.
Lakes are to be kept free of litter, rubbish, dead animals and dead and/or
invasive plants. This includes large build ups of weed and duckweed. In
addition scum and debris around the edge of the Lake will be netted off
weekly by the Contractor. The Contractor shall carry also treatment water with
a product called Symbio this produced helps to control the growth of alga.
Action
Remove Litter
Apply water
Treatment
By Who
John
O’Conner
John
O’Conner
When
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Once per week throughout the Year
- - Once per week during growing season - -
Roads and Paths
Each year the condition of all paths and roads is assessed and the funds are
allocated to areas that need maintenance. The assessment is carried out by
the Green Spaces Officer and an engineer.
The recently installed cycle path surface is projected to last 10 years before
any resurfacing is needed.
Action
Paths and
Road
Assessment
Carry out
repairs
By Who
Property
Services
Sub
Contractor
When
J F M A M J J A S O N D
- - 1 - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - 1 1 1 1 1 - -
Toddlers Splash Park
The Toddler’s Splash Park is a technically complex facility and requires very
specialised maintenance and regular checks to ensure that the water quality
meets the required starts for public use.
The facility is owned by the Council and managed by Leisure Connection in
accordance with the “Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools” guide
lines issued by the Health and Safety Executive.
The key items are listed blow:
When
Action By Who
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Open to the Public - - - - X X X X X - - -
Daily water Leisure
Daily, Every 2 hours
quality checks Connection
De-rid of Leisure
X
system, end Connection

season
maintenance
Daily routine
maintenance
check
Start of
season
maintenance
Legionella
Checks
Leisure
Connection
Leisure
Connection
X
X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X

APPENDIX 6 Signage and Interpretation Design Brief
59

Verulamium Park
Access and Interpretation Project
Phase 1 Brief and Specification Document
March 2013

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
‐ Site Description
‐ Project Background
‐ Project Description
2 DESIGN GUIDELINES
Signage Panels
‐ Colour
‐ Logo
‐ St Albans Existing Signage
‐ Typography
Structures
‐ Colour
‐ Style
‐ Custom element
3 SPECIFICATIONS
‐ Entrance Signage
‐ Fingerposts
‐ Facilities Signage
4 CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES
‐ Selection procedure
‐ Submission of quotes
‐ Pre‐amble to Bill of Quantities
5 BILL OF QUANTITIES
APPENDICES
1 Cost percentage calculation
2 Sopwell Manor leaflet
3 St Albans Monoliths
4 Photos of Verulamium Park

1 INTRODUCTION
SITE DESCRIPTION
Verulamium Park comprises over 100 acres of beautiful parkland close to
the centre of St Albans, and is a popular attraction throughout the year.
The Park is named after the Roman City of Verulamium on which it stands.
Remnants of the City walls and gates can still be seen, in addition to an insitu
mosaic and hypocaust system. Verulamium Museum, located within
the Park, displays hundreds of remarkable objects that have been
excavated from the site.
A main feature of the Park is the ornamental lake. Construction started on
the lake during 1929, shortly after the site was purchased by the City
Corporation, and gave much needed work to the unemployed during the
depression. The lake is home to a wealth of waterfowl including great
crested grebe, coots, pochards and tufted ducks, and the islands support
one of the few heronries in Herts. The lake is fed by the River Ver, an
ecologically significant chalk stream that runs through the Park.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2011/12, St Albans City and District Council (SADC) produced a 5‐year
Management Plan for Verulamium Park, the first of its kind to be adopted
by the site. This plan, which was developed in consultation with key
stakeholders and the public, identified a strong need for improved
orientation and interpretation signage throughout the site, with the
existing provision recognised as of insufficient quality and abundance.
Development of a project to address this was subsequently included as a
Year 1 action in the Management Plan. Both capital and S106 funding has
been assigned to the project by SADC.
In addition to the lake and river, the wildlife habitat is enhanced through
the use of trees and grass meadows, which are important for insects and
birds. The Park enjoys fantastic views of St Albans Cathedral and Abbey
Church, and the wider City.
The recreational value of the Park is supported by a wide range of excellent
facilities. A large playground and toddlers splash park caters for younger
children, while an AdiZone outdoor gym and basketball court are popular
with teenagers. The Park also has a variety of sports pitches and facilities,
including a golf course, and Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre which was
recently rebuilt. Refreshments are available at the ‘Inn on the Park’.
Existing signage in Verulamium Park

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The aim of this project is to make the cultural and natural heritage of
Verulamium Park more accessible to the many thousands of visitors that
visit the Park each year. Verulamium Park is unique in the array of
opportunities it offers to local people and tourists, ranging from
recreational facilities to historic features, expanses of parkland to the
enclosed corridor of the River Ver. The site is also greatly supported by its
associated facilities such as Verulamium Museum, Westminster Lodge
Leisure Centre, and the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. Through
this project, we will ensure that all visitors to Verulamium Park will be able
to (a) discover all of the features of interest and facilities that the Park has
to offer, (b) easily navigate the 66.9ha site and beyond, (c) feel welcome
and safe within the Park, and (d) be encouraged to learn about the Park’s
heritage and enthused to discover more.
Phase 1 of this project will be important in establishing a design style for
signage in Verulamium Park. Although there is no existing style to adhere
to, there are a number of influences that need to be considered in the
establishment of a recognisable brand; these are set out in the following
pages. It is hoped that the appointed contractor will be able to incorporate
their own ideas, experience and creativity into producing designs that build
on and compliment these existing influences, while also producing
something that is quite unique to Verulamium Park.
In order to achieve these aims, the project will adopt a two phase
approach. Phase 1 of the project will address the need for entrance and
orientation signage in the Park, while Phase 2 will focus on providing
interpretation of the Parks’ heritage and significant features.
This Design Brief and Specification document is for Phase 1 of the Access
and Interpretation Project. SADC are looking to appoint a contractor to
design and manufacturer the following
• A high quality 3D watercolour site map
• A0 entrance signage (to incorporate map)
• Fingerposts
• Facilities signage
Further details on what each of these elements entails is set out in chapter
3 of this document.

2 DESIGN GUIDELINES
The following section sets out guidance on the design of signage and
related structures to be utilised in Verulamium Park. The section has been
divided into two parts, the first covering the design of signage panels and
the second the design of structures. Guidelines are built from (a) the
character of the Park and surrounds, (b) St Albans City and District
Council’s Design Toolkit 2012, (c) existing signage successfully employed
elsewhere in the District, and (d) the logo that has already been developed
for the site.
SIGNAGE PANELS
COLOUR
The main use of colour on the signs will be through the site maps and
illustrations/photos – it these splashes of brightness that will draw peoples’
attention to the signs. The base colour palette employed must therefore
ensure that these features and the text remain bold and clear.
SADC employs a corporate primary colour palette consisting of Blue, Yellow
and Cyan, the first two of which are incorporated in the Council’s logo. The
CMYK, Pantone and RGB specifications for the blue are as follows;
LOGO
The graphic to the right is the adopted logo for
Verulamium Park. This logo should be
incorporated into all panel designs. The
current colour of the logo is SADC Council Blue
(as previously detailed) but this can be altered
if required. The logo will be provided to the
appointed contractor as a high quality jpeg file.
ST ALBANS EXISTING SIGNAGE
A number of open spaces in and around St Albans
have adopted a brand style that has been
incorporated into site interpretation panels and
leaflets. Certain elements of this design should be
incorporated into the signage for Verulamium
Park, such as the text down the right hand side of
the panel/leaflet, and the circular appearance of
the logo. See
Appendix 2 for
examples of this
design.
A recent project has seen the introduction
of new monolith style signs to St Albans
City Centre. These tall, narrow blocks are
primarily for orientation purposes, but also
contain some other interpretative
information, such as historic images of St
Albans. There are plans in place to
potentially locate one of the monoliths
close to Verulamium Museum, within the
Park; it is therefore important that the
design of the new signage maintains a
level of consistency with the monoliths, for
example with regard to the use of
orientation symbols and graphics.

TYPOGRAPHY
The serif employed for all text on the signage should be Goudy Old Style,
which will maintain consistency with the monoliths. This font should also
be used for the text on the arms of fingerposts.
For the information text and keys to accompany maps, the font employed
should be Info Text.
STRUCTURES
It is important that the structures installed throughout the Park, which will
include fingerposts and frames for entrance signs, are suited to the
character of the space. Defining this character is made complicated by the
scale of the site, and the degree of influence certain significant structures
have on particular areas.
For example, the site entrance from Abbey Mill Lane has a character
deeply embedded in the heritage of St Albans and the history of the Park –
standing in this location, one is met by views across the formal lake to the
wider parkland landscape, the historic buildings of the Fighting Cocks pub
and the mill, cast iron Victorian ornate lampposts leading up to the
entrance, and a vista up the hill to the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St
Alban. This area sits in stark contrast to the new entrance from Holywell
Hill which has been completely redesigned as part of the contemporary
landscape setting to the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre,
incorporating grey lighting columns and brick features, and urban
influences from the busy main road.
COLOUR
With regards to the colour, one thing that does stay consistent between
both of these extremes is the presence of waist high black iron railings.
Although these aren’t a particularly dominant feature of the site as a
whole, they do contribute to the character and are appropriate to both the
traditional and more contemporary sides of the Park. There are also other
elements of black park infrastructure, such as litter bins and seat bases. It
would therefore seem appropriate that all hard wear produced as part of
this project should be Black in colour.
STYLE
The public park itself dates from the 1930s and, although its character is
that of a city park rather than a countryside site, it does not have much of
the Victorian/Edwardian element of ‘grandeur’ common to so many of our
historic public open spaces. Having said that, the historic buildings
associated with St Michael’s Street and Abbey Mill Lane do have a
particularly strong influence on the site, as do the views out to the wider
city, dominated by the Cathedral. It is definitely these elements that have
a stronger influence on the character of Verulamium Park in comparison to
the modern design of Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, the car parks,
and certain buildings on Holywell Hill and King Harry Lane.
It would seem appropriate that new structures in Verulamium Park should
have elements of a traditional park character, so far as that they
compliment the setting of the lake and other important heritage park
features, but are not overly ornate or elaborate so that they look confused
and out of place against the backdrop of more contemporary landmarks. A
clean, modern design throughout would sit comfortably with all elements
of the Park while also complementing the monolith signage adopted
throughout the City.
There should be consistency between the structures used for both the
fingerposts and the entrance signage.
CUSTOM ELEMENT
For the signage in Verulamium Park, it has been decided to use standard,
‘off the shelf’ structures – this is in part to keep initial costs low, but more
importantly to aid future maintenance and replacement of any damaged
structures or structural elements. However, we would like there to be
some kind of custom element that can be incorporated in to all of the
structures in Phase 1 of this project, and used in any future structures in
the Park, that will give them some of kind of unique identity.

We would like the contractor to come up with a proposal for what form
this custom element could take. The proposal for this element will form
part of the qualitative assessment of the bid, and it is suggested that the
Contractor should allow in the region of 10% of the contract value to
design and incorporate this custom element. It may be that the site logo or
site name is etched into the structure poles, a feature design is integrated
into the lower sections of the legs, or a custom finial is created.

3 SPECIFICATIONS
ENTRANCE SIGNAGE
No: 9
Panel size: A0
Panel material: GRP
Panel content: Panels will include the labelled 3D watercolour site
map with annotated key, ‘you are here’ point, brief
text about the site, and generic site information
and logos.
Panel design: Design to be produced in accordance with the
guidelines in chapter 2.
Structure material: Powder coated stainless steel
Structure colour: Black
Structure Design: Two‐legged structure to include a ‘Welcome to
Verulamium Park’ banner that will in some way
incorporate the site logo.
Design of structure to be produced in accordance
with the guidelines in chapter 2, to include custom
element.
GRP panels need to be secure in the frame units,
but also simple to install and replace by site staff.
Information provided: The contractor will be provided with a map of the
site with features labelled and an aerial
photograph.

FINGERPOSTS
No: 6
Directional arms:
Structure design:
Approx. 8 on each post
Design of structure to be produced in accordance
with the guidelines in chapter 2, to include custom
element.
Double‐sided directional arms are to incorporate
clear, legible lettering in Goudy Old Style.
The structures will need to incorporate some kind
of deterrent to prevent pigeon and seagull
perching.
Structure material:
Structure colour:
Powder coated stainless steel column with cast
aluminium directional arms.
Black
Content: TBC

FACILITIES SIGNAGE
Description:
No: 8
Panel size: A3 landscape
Panel material:
Fixings:
Name panels that will identify different facilities on
site under a consistent, recognisable banner.
Panels should incorporate the site logo and similar
design style to entrance panels.
Aluminium with rounded edges
4 no. with fixings appropriate for to attachment to
walls (3 brick, 1 wooden slats)
4 no. with fixings appropriate for attachment to
railings.

4 CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES
PRELIMINARIES
Client
General
Enquiries
Fee
Time scale
Copyright
Defects
Liability Period
Delivery
Variations
The client for the works will be St Albans City and District
Council (SADC)
General enquiries should be directed to Jon Collins of the
Countryside Management Service (CMS).
Tel: 01992 588433
Email: jon.collins@hertfordshire.gov.uk
The fee will be a lump sum fee bid inclusive of all expenses,
disbursements and costs to be based on an all‐inclusive
basis. The fee will be paid in one payment following
delivery and inspection of all products.
It is envisaged that all of the products will be produced and
delivered by the end of June 2013 at the latest. The
contractor will submit evidence of an achievable time
frame as part of the qualitative submission (see below)
The copyright of the work produced as a result of this
contract, including all maps and illustrations, shall belong
to the client, St Albans City and District Council.
The works will be inspected during the twelve months
following completion and the contractor will be required to
make good at their own expense any defects which may
have arisen due to poor materials of workmanship, and
make up any settlement.
All products are to be delivered to the following address:
Verulamium Park, St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW
The client may, without invalidating the contract, order an
addition of omission to the works. The client will issue
written instructions regarding these variations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The aim of the selection process is to appoint an appropriate contractor to
deliver the project described in this document. SADC does not bind itself
to accept the lowest quote, or indeed accept any of quotes submitted.
Should this contract not be awarded, SADC reserves the right to cancel the
project, to reissue in full, or to re‐specify and reissue. SADC also reserves
the right to award individual elements of this contract to different
contractors as appropriate.
The main criteria on which the decision will be based are as follows:
‐ Ability to meet requirements to a high standard – as evidenced by
clear understanding of the brief and evidence of previous works of
a similar nature.
‐ Cost competitiveness – bids shall be judged in terms of both
innovative approach and value for money.
‐ Approach to the project – it is important that the contractor sets
out a suitable method of working that will clearly achieve the work
to a high standard within an achievable time frame.
The selection process will be based on a Cost:Quality ratio, a competitive
selection method that takes into consideration quality criteria submitted
by contractors in addition to their fee proposal.
The ratio for the selection process will be 60% cost and 40% quality.
Cost percentage will be calculated using the formula set out in Appendix 1.
Evaluation of quality will be determined by the assessment of certain
qualitative elements to be provided by the contractor alongside their fee
submission. These are as follows:
1. Examples of graphic design and 3D mapping used on similar
schemes.
2. Methodology for the production process, to include details of
proof stages and an outline time frame, from inception to delivery
of product.

3. Product details for structures, to include construction diagrams
and specifications, and a sample of GRP.
4. Proposal for incorporation of custom feature into structures (as
detailed in section 2)
Each of the four elements will be scored on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being the
highest) as to how will they meet the aforementioned criteria. The scores
will be added together to make up the total qualitative percentage out of
40.
The percentage scores for cost and quality will be added together to give a
total score. The contract will be awarded to the contractor with the
highest score.
SUBMISSION OF QUOTES
Contractors wishing to quote for the works are required to submit the
following:
‐ A completed Bill of Quantities
‐ Qualitative information (as listed above).
‐ Any other information deemed relevant to the project bid
5 BILL OF QUANTITIES
PREAMBLE TO BILL OF QUANTITIES
‐ The rates submitted shall be a fully inclusive cost covering all labour,
materials, samples, meetings, overhead charges and profit for
providing the required standard of products as specified in the brief.
‐ All general risks, liabilities and obligations set fort or implied as
necessary to comply with the contract shall be included.
‐ The contractor shall insert a quantity and price against each item in the
Bill of Quantities.
‐ Descriptive information in the Bills of Quantities is limited. The
Contractor should refer to the full brief for further details about each
item.
‐ Unit prices must be shown in pounds and pence, rounded the nearest
whole penny.
‐ The contractor shall complete the whole of the Bill of Quantities legibly
in black ink.
‐ All prices are to be exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).
All documents should be sent by recorded delivery or hand‐delivered to:
Mr D Flitton
St Albans City and District Council
Civic Centre
St Peter’s Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3JE
Submitted quotes must arrive at SADC by 12.00pm on Thursday 28th
March 2013. Submissions received after 12.00pm will be rejected.

5 BILL OF QUANTITIES
1a
Description Quantity Unit Rate Price
Design of A0 entrance panel, incorporating site map (see Item 4), and to include for minor
differences in text and images between the different panels.
1b Production of proof/s ‐
‐ Item
1c Production of GRP panels. 9 No.
1d Production of A0 powder‐coated stainless steel frame units, to include welcome header. 9 No.
2 Production of powder‐coated stainless steel finger post units, to include approx. 8
directional arms on each.
3a Design of A3 facilities signage (standard template with text variations between each) ‐
3b Production of proof/s ‐
Item
7 No.
3c Printing panels onto Aluminium with fixings 8 No.
4 Production of a detailed 3D watercolour site map. 1 Item
5 Design and production of a custom logo element to be incorporated into the structures of
the entrance signs and fingerposts (suggested no more than 10% of the total contract
value)
Delivery of all items. ‐
Item
Item
‐ Item
Contingency 5% ‐ ‐
TOTAL
Item
Signed:
Date:
Company Name:
Position in Company:
Telephone No.

APPENDIX 1 Cost percentage calculation
The total possible score for cost will be 60, which will be awarded to the
lowest quote received. The score for other bids will be worked out using
the following formula:
Bid score = 60 x (lowest bid price / bid price)
Example
Three bids received of the following values::
Bid A = £100
Bid B = £110
Bid C = £140
The cost score for each bid is:
Bid A 60 x (100/100) = 60
Bid B 60 x (100/110) = 54.5
Bid C 60 x (100/140) = 42.9

ST ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL GREEN SPACE
Sopwell Nunnery
Habitats
Explore the variety of wildlife habitats
Sopwell Nunnery Green Space has to offer.
Spring Wildflower Meadow
This area of wet grassland sometimes floods
in winter. Wet grassland is home to specialist
flowers and insects, it is increasingly rare in
Hertfordshire where changes in agricultural
practices and development pressure
have lead to its loss.
Summer Wildflower Meadow
The wildflowers that flourish in this habitat
provide an important nectar source for
bees, butterflies and other invertebrates.
Visitors might be fortunate to see a
Green Woodpecker searching among the
grasses for its favourite meal of ants.
Wet Woodland
These woodland types are dominated by
mature Alder and Willow trees and are rare
in Hertfordshire. The mature trees provide an
excellent home for woodpeckers and bats. The
insects on which they feed take advantage of
loose bark, cracks and old ivy which provide
shelter and hiding places. You can enjoy walking
through this woodland all year round using
Fenny’s boardwalk.
Cottonmill Nunnery
Allotments
(public open days at
specific times of the year)
Alder
The allotments have been designated a County
Wildlife Site for the reptiles that live here. These
creatures are typically shy of human activity but
you may be privileged enough to see a Grass
Snake or a Slow Worm basking in the sunshine or
warming themselves on a compost heap.
River Ver
Kingfisher
One boundary of this open
space is formed by the River
Ver. Chalk streams are fed
from groundwater held in the
sponge like chalk aquifer.
The water emerges at
ground level in the form
of springs. These chalk
streams support some
of the most threatened
plants and animals in
Britain. Remarkably,
although there are a
number of chalk streams to
be found across the south of
England this is but one of only
about 200 in the world! You
can follow the River Ver Trail to
walk its length looking out for
Kingfishers and listening to the
river as it rushes over its gravel bed.
For more information on the river
and walking in the valley visit:
www.riverver.co.uk
Green
Woodpecker
Slow Worm
Will Atkins, LEHART
A5
Why not have a gentle stroll and see it for yourself?
Harpenden
B653
Wheathampstead
A1(M)
Discover the natural
beauty of Sopwell
Nunnery Green Space
Help us conserve it by:
• Protecting plants and animals
• Keeping dogs under control and using
the bins provided
• Considering other users
• Preventing fires
• Taking your litter home
In addition, please do not damage or climb
on the ruins.
Who to contact
If you would like to receive this publication
in an alternative format, such as Braille, or in
another language, please call 01727 819366.
Sopwell Nunnery Green Space is owned
and managed by St Albans City and
District Council.
For further information about Sopwell Nunnery
Green Space please contact St Albans City &
District Council’s Parks and Green Spaces team
at: www.stalbans.gov.uk/greenspaces
tel: 01727 819366 or email:
groundsmaintenance@stalbans.gov.uk
To find out more about allotments in St Albans
visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/allotments
Countryside Management Service (CMS)
provides advice on the management of this
green space. CMS works with communities
across Hertfordshire to help them care for and
enjoy the environment.
M1
B487
A4147
M25
A412
Garston
A5183
M10
Chiswell
Green
A405
M1
A1081
COTTONMILL
LANE
A5183
Park
Street
B651
Sopwell Nunnery
reen Space
Sandridge
St Albans
A1081
London
Colney
A5183
How to find us
A414
A5183
Welwyn
Garden City
B653
A1(M)
A1000
Hatfield
By Public Transport: Sopwell Nunnery Green Space
is a fifteen minute walk from St Albans City Train
Station and a ten minute walk from St Albans
Abbey Station.
Bus information: There are regular buses to the
Cottonmill area.
M25
A1000
For more information about public transport contact
Intalink Traveline on 0871 2002233 or www.intalink.org.uk
By Road: Sopwell Nunnery Green Space is situated
off Cottonmill Lane, a mile south east of the centre
of St Albans. There is limited car parking
on Cottonmill Lane.
Sopwell Nunnery
reen Space
A scheduled ancient monument
and haven for wildlife.
Explore these beautiful historic ruins,
wet woodland, river and meadow habitats.
ST ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL GREEN SPACE
For more information contact us at:
www.hertslink.org/cms or tel: 01462 459395

River Ver
Come and discover
Sopwell Nunnery
reen Space
Summer Meadow
25 metres
(approx.)
Disabled
Access Point
Cottonmill Lane
Summer Meadow
Ruins
Dame Juliana Berners, a 15 th century Sopwell Prioress and angling author
Sopwell Nunnery Ruins
The ruins and its grounds are steeped
in history and are nationally protected
Commonly called Sopwell Nunnery, the ruins
here should rightly be known as Lee Hall.
The Nunnery or Priory, constructed around 1140
by Abbot Geoffrey, was of the Benedictine
order and dependent on the Abbey.
The land on which the ruins stood was
purchased by Sir Richard Lee, an adviser
to Henry VIII, who paid the Crown £13 and
6 shillings for full ownership following the
Dissolution of the Monasteries. He demolished
the nunnery and built a house on the
foundations. Later in his life he began work to
create a more fashionable, Tudor style building
but died before this was complete. The main
buildings lingered until the eighteenth century,
with the gatehouse used in the 1950’s as
a motorcycle repair shop. Visible remains
include the gatehouse, one wing of an
H-shaped structure, the adjoining cross-wing
and a kitchen at the back.
Sadleir Road
Entrance
to Allotments
Spring Meadow
Nunnery
Allotments
Sopwell Nunnery Ruins
Wet
Woodland
Nunnery
Allotments
Alban Way - Cycleway and Footpath
Fenny’s
boardwalk
P
P H
Key
P
P
P H
P H
Alban Way
River Ver Trail
Bench
Interpretation board
The Ordnance Survey mapping included on this leaflet is provided by Hertfordshire
County Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfill its public
function to provide information relating to its activities, services and plans. Persons
viewing this mapping should contact Ordnance Survey copyright for advice should
they wish to license Ordnance Survey mapping for their own use.
© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Hertfordshire County Council 100019606 2011.
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Did you know?
The estate would originally have
included a fish-pond where the current
=
allotments = are and a garden to supply
vegetables, herbs and flowers.
P
P H
P
P H
=
Notice board
Bin
Dog bin
Woodland
Open area
ST ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL GREEN SPACE

Document 5 Visual Aids
8
12
14
1
16
2
4
15
11
3
5
6
18
9
19
7
17
10
13
1 = Photo location
VERULAMIUM PARK ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
1

Document 5 Visual Aids
1. Verulamium Lake from the bridge 2. Bridge across the Lake
The parkland landscape of Verulamium Park
provides a beautiful setting for
recreation and learning.
3. View towards St Albans Cathedral, with mosaic building in the foreground.
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
2

Document 5 Visual Aids
4. The Lake
5. A view to St Albans Cathedral
6. A bench on the line of the Roman city wall 7. The Roman city wall leading to King Harry Lane
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
3

Document 5 Visual Aids
Archaeological excavations of Roman Verulamium
The rich cultural history of Verulamium Park
makes it a valuable site for learning and
education. In 2011, over 600 school parties
visited the Museum and Park.
The site was farmed before it became a public park in 1929
8. Verulamium Museum
Archaeological excavations of London Gate
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
4

Document 5 Visual Aids
9. RSPB ‘A Date with Nature’
10. The River Ver chalk stream
The natural heritage of Verulamium Park
includes a fantastic array of habitats,
including an island heronry and a
European Priority Habitat chalk stream.
11. Volunteers planting a hedgerow 12. Waterfowl
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
5

Document 5 Visual Aids
14. The exceptionally popular Splash Park
13. Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre (new)
Verulamium Park has excellent
facilities, attracting a wide ranging
audience to the site.
15. AdiZone sports and fitness equipment
16. The Inn on the Park
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
6

Document 5 Visual Aids
17. Entrance sign with temporary map and notices (1 of 5) 18. Old style English Heritage interpretation signage (1 of 2)
19. Illegible and inaccurate orientation signage (1 of 2)
Heritage Interpretation and Orientation
Signage in Verulamium Park is
outdated, in poor condition, and far too
infrequent for the size and heritage
significance of the Park.
VERULAMIUM PARK
ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION PROJECT
7

APPENDIX 7 – Action Plans 2012 – 2017
60

YEAR 1 Action Plan 2012 ‐ 2013
Obj.
ref
A1
A3
B1
B2
B3
B4
C1
C2
C3
C4
Objective Action Responsibility Spec.
ref
Status (complete
at end of Year 1)
Ensure above ground historic
features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed
Maintain above and below ground scheduled monuments in
accordance with EH requirements; annual monitoring review with
EH Field Monument Warden.
EH / SADC ‐ Ongoing
to ensure their preservation Produce a strategy for the control of rabbit population. SADC ‐
Develop and promote a greater
understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of the
post‐Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic
landscape history is reflected in the
Park
Improve all site entrances to form
welcoming, appealing gateways to
the Park
Ensure that visitors are able to
navigate to, from and around the
site.
Provide a suitable network of
accessible paths and transport routes
throughout the Park
Ensure that visitors feel safe and
secure in all areas of the site
Improve the ecology and biodiversity
value of waterbodies within the Park
Manage grassland throughout the
Park to reflect the needs of
recreation and biodiversity
Develop a network of well managed
hedgerows
Manage woodland areas for the
benefit of both wildlife and park
Identify and mark out route of the Roman City Wall and
plant/manage as a strip of summer meadow.
Establish a brief for a park‐wide Access and Interpretation
project, to include discussions with partner organisations,
drawing up of initial proposals, gathering information and
applying for external funding.
Selective removal of vegetation around King Harry Lane (south)
entrance to increase visibility (works to form part of Cycle Route)
SADC / VM / CMS /
FoVP / WT
CMS / SADC / VM /
VVS / WT / RSPB
ST / SADC + CMS
(guidance)
4.1
1.1 Ongoing
‐ COMPLETE
Installation of ‘brown’ direction signage in and around St Albans. HA / CMS / SADC 1.2 APPLICATION
SUBMITTED
Cycle Route – west to east between King Harry Lane (south) and
Abbey Hill Lane, and north to south between St Michael’s Street
and Westminster Lodge.
Selective coppicing and removals of shrubs and small trees along
the south side of the causeway between King Harry Lane (south)
entrance and the Park (works to form part of Cycle Route)
Create an area of wetland vegetation alongside the south east
bank of the larger lake, to include wildlife exclusion fencing
during establishment.
ST ‐ COMPLETE
ST / SADC+CMS
(guidance)
‐ COMPLETE
CMS 4.2 In progress
Review SADC’s policy for feeding birds. SADC / RSPB ‐
Increase existing areas of meadow grass in the south western
part of the site through adapting maintenance regimes.
Restore section of hedgerow on the north western boundary
between the Inn on the Park and the lakes.
Ongoing woodland management SADC / FoVP / CMS
SADC / GM 4.3 COMPLETE
CMS / FoVP 4.4 COMPLETE
‐ Ongoing

C5
C6
D1
D3
D4
E2
F2
visitors
Manage and enhance identified areas
for the particular benefit of wildlife
conservation
Manage parkand and veteran trees
and establish replacement planting
Establish and introduce a standard,
uniform design of furniture
Remove clutter and poorly sited
furniture
Ensure the upkeep of all buildings in
a safe and serviceable condition, and
used to their full potential
Provide new recreational facilities
where need and/or opportunity has
been identified
Maintain a regularly updated website
with links included in other publicity
materials and on site signage
Establish a bird feeding area close to Wildlife Trust garden. HMWT / SADC ‐ COMPLETE
Write a Green Space Action Plan for the fenced off area of land
close to the Abbey Mill Lane entrance.
Establishment of new tree planting across the site, to include
memorial trees. Appropriate locations to be identified by
archaeologist.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part of a rolling
programme of refurbishment works and reactive maintenance.
Install new recycling bins in locations close to play area and
children’s splash park.
Remove benches from around the site that are in poor condition
and/or inappropriately sited.
SADC / CMS ‐ COMPLETE
SADC 4.6 Ongoing
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
SADC ‐
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
Refurbishment of toilet block close to running track SADC ‐ COMPLETE
Installation of 3 x picnic tables in an area close to the children’s
splash park
Installation of outdoor Beach Volleyball Court next to the
AdiZone.
Opening of new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre
Establish a QR code to be included on entrance and
interpretation signage, linked to web‐based material including
Verulamium Museum’s interactive tour.
SADC 2.2 Benches ordered
SADC Leisure
Facilities
SADC Leisure
Facilities
‐ COMPLETE
‐ COMPLETE
SADC / CMS / VM 1.1 COMPLETE

Increase existing areas of meadow
grass through adapting maintenance
regimes.
Installation of 3 x picnic tables and recycling
bins close to children's Splash Park
Creation of bird feeding area
# ##
Restore section of hedgerow on the north western
boundary between the Inn on the Park and the north lake
Identify and mark out route of Roman City Wall
and plant/manage as a strip of summer meadow.
Create an area of wetland vegetation alongside
the south east bank of the larger lake, to include
wildfowl exclusion fencing during establishment.
VERULAMIUM PARK
Year 1 Action Plan 2012 - 2013
Produce a GAP for creation of nature area
Updated JC CMS 17.12.12
AdiZone
Amenity grass
Basketball Court
Building
Crazy Golf
Cricket square
Electricity comp
Football Pitch
Golf fairway
Golf green
Golf sand
Hard surface
Hedge
Meadow grass
Playground
Roman wall
Rough grass
Running track
Scrub
Splash park
Tennis Courts
Water
Wetland veg
Woodland
2012-13 Action
Installation of Beach
Volleyball Court
Installation of Cycle Route - to include selective
removal of vegetation around King Harry Lane
(south) entrance, new bridge and steps down
to Roman ditch, and selective coppicing and
removal of shrubs and small trees along the
south side of the causeway.
Establish brief, gather information and seek funding
support for Access and Interpretation Project.
Installation of 'brown' direction signage in and
around St Albans.
Review SADC's policy for feeding birds.
Establishment of new tree planting across the site
to include memorial trees. Appropriate locations to
be identified by archaeologist.
Ongoing woodland management.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part
of a rolling programme of refurbishment works and
reactive maintenance.
Investigate feasibility of establishing
a woodland walk
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
Refurbishment of
toilets
Opening of new Westminster
Lodge Leisure Centre
N
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011

YEAR 2 Action Plan 2013 ‐ 2014
Obj.
ref
A1
A2
A3
B1
B3
B4
C1
C3
Objective Action Responsibility Spec.
ref
Ensure above ground historic
features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed
to ensure their preservation
Conserve the landscape character of
the site and its relationship with St
Albans and the wider landscape
Develop and promote a greater
understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of
the post‐Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic
landscape history is reflected in the
Park
Improve all site entrances to form
welcoming, appealing gateways to
the Park
Provide a suitable network of
accessible paths and transport routes
throughout the Park
Ensure that visitors feel safe and
secure in all areas of the site
Improve the ecology and biodiversity
value of waterbodies within the Park
Develop a network of well managed
hedgerows
Maintain above and below ground scheduled monuments in
accordance with EH requirements; annual monitoring review with
EH Field Monument Warden.
Removal of one tree to open up views to St Albans Cathedral
from the Park
Vegetation clearance to open up views from King Harry Lane
towards St Albans; to include removal of tree and shrub belt
(retention of mature trees)
Install timber post & rail fencing to extend boundary along newly
cleared section of vegetation.
Completion of Access and Interpretation Project, to include
removal of existing signage; production, delivery and installation
of new signage; events to coincide with new site interpretation.
Identify and mark out the footprints of several of the Roman
buildings in the vicinity of the mosaic/hypocaust building.
Installation of pedestrian kissing gate and vehicular access gate at
King Harry Lane (north) entrance.
Improvements to landscape and car parks associated with new
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre.
Repair footpath around the western side of the smaller lake
where subsidence has occurred
Explore the feasibility of widening the footpath along the west
side of the lakes.
Installation of CCTV cameras in the vicinity of Westminster Lodge
car parks.
Carry out selective coppicing of trees and shrubs along the west
bank of the southern part of the River Ver.
Plant new hedgerow along part of the western boundary of the
site near St Michael’s Street entrance.
Status (complete at
end of Year 2)
EH / SADC ‐ Ongoing
CMS / SADC 4.9
3.1
CMS / SADC / VM /
VVS / WT / RSPB
1.1
SADC / VM / GM 1.3
CMS / SADC 3.1
SADC Leisure
Facilities /
SADC+CMS
(guidance)
6.1
SADC / CMS 5.2
SADC ‐
SADC Leisure
Facilities
6.1
CMS / FoVP / SADC 4.7
CMS / FoVP 4.5 COMPLETE

C4
C5
C6
D1
D2
D3
D4
E2
Manage woodland areas for the
benefit of both wildlife and park
visitors
Manage and enhance certain areas
for the particular benefit of wildlife
conservation
Manage parkland and veteran trees
and establish replacement planting
Establish and introduce a standard,
uniform design of furniture
Ensure all fixtures and fittings are
maintained in a serviceable, safe and
attractive condition
Remove clutter and poorly sited
furniture
Ensure the upkeep of all buildings in
a safe and serviceable condition
Provide new recreational facilities
where need and/or opportunity has
been identified
Ongoing woodland management SADC / FoVP / CMS
Improvements to Heronry habitat, to include removal of elder
and replanting with more suitable species.
Initiate improvement works to the Abbey Mill Lane area based on
Green Space Action Plan
Establishment of new tree planting across the site, to include
memorial trees. Appropriate locations to be identified by
archaeologist.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part of a rolling
programme of refurbishment works and reactive maintenance.
Repair of timber post & rail fence along Bluehouse Hill and King
Harry Lane.
Remove unnecessary old bins and bollards from around the
vicinity of Westminster Lodge car park (east) as part of the
landscape improvement works for the area.
Explore feasibility and options for dual use of cricket pavilion as
an interpretation / information centre
Installation of a BBQ area, to be located between the Inn on the
Park and Verulamium Museum car park.
SADC / RSPB /
Barry Travis / CMS
SADC / CMS
‐ Ongoing
4.8
SADC 4.6 Ongoing
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
SADC 3.1
SADC Leisure
Facilities /
SADC+CMS
(guidance)
SADC / Museum ‐
6.1
SADC / IotP 2.3
F1
Monitor success of habitat
restoration projects and adjust
maintenance / management as
appropriate
Monitor success of new meadow areas, refurbished hedgerow,
area of wetland vegetation, and woodland walk.
CMS / SADC ‐

Identify and mark out the footprints of several of
the Roman buildings in the vicinity of the mosaic /
hypocaust building.
Repair of timber post & rail fence
along Bluehouse Hill and King
Harry Lane.
Installation of BBQ area
Investigate widening of footpath
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U %U%U
%U
%U
Plant new hedgerow along part of the western
boundary of the site near St Michael's Street
entrance.
%U
Repair footpath around the western side of the
smaller lake where subsidence has occured.
Explore feasibility and options for dual use of cricket
pavilion as an interpretation / information centre
Improvements to heronry habitat, to include removal
of elder and replanting with more suitable species.
Initiate works determined by
Green Space Action Plan.
VERULAMIUM PARK
Year 2 Action Plan 2013 - 2014
Updated JC CMS 17.12.12
%U Entrance Sign
%U Interpretation
%U Picnic Table
AdiZone
Amenity grass
Basketball Court
Beach Volleyball Court
Building
Crazy Golf
Cricket square
Electricity comp
Football Pitch
Golf fairway
Golf green
Golf sand
Hard surface
Hedge
Meadow grass
Playground
Roman wall
Rough grass
Running track
Scrub
Splash park
Tennis Courts
Water
Westminster Lodge
Wetland veg
Woodland
2013-14 Action
%U
%U
%U
Removal of one tree to open up views to
St Albans Cathedral from the Park.
%U
%U
%U
Carry out selective coppicing of trees and shrubs
along the west bank of the southern part of the
River Ver.
Works to open up views from King Harry Lane
towards St Albans - to include clearance of tree
and shrub belt (retention of mature trees),
installation of post+rail fence, pedestrian kissing
gate, vehicular access gate, and entrance sign.
%U
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
%U
%U
Completion of Access and Interpretation project,
to include installation of new heritage interpretation
and orientation panels throughout the Park.
Establishment of new tree planting across the site
to include memorial trees. Appropriate locations to
be identified by archaeologist.
Ongoing woodland management.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part
of a rolling programme of refurbishment works and
reactive maintenance.
b
b
b
b
Establishment of woodland walk, to include
improvements to path, 3 x interpretation panels,
and vegetation management to allow access
to exposed sections of the Roman City Wall.
Improvements to landscape and car parks
associated with new Westminster Lodge
Leisure Centre.
N
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011

YEAR 3 Action Plan 2014 ‐ 2015
Obj.
ref
A1
A3
B3
B4
C3
C4
C6
D1
E1
E3
Objective Action Responsibility Spec.
ref
Ensure above ground historic
features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed
to ensure their preservation
Develop and promote a greater
understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of
the post‐Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic
landscape history is reflected in the
Park
Provide a suitable network of
accessible paths and transport routes
throughout the Park
Ensure that visitors feel safe and
secure in all areas of the site
Develop a network of well managed
hedgerows
Manage woodland areas for the
benefit of both wildlife and park
visitors
Manage parkland and veteran trees
and establish replacement planting
Establish and introduce a standard,
uniform design of furniture
Ensure existing recreational facilities
are maintained in safe and
serviceable condition, and improved
and upgraded as required
Develop an annual programme of
events with partners and key
stakeholders
Maintain above and below ground scheduled monuments in
accordance with EH requirements; annual monitoring review with
EH Field Monument Warden.
Re‐ mark out the footprints of several of the Roman buildings in
the vicinity of the mosaic/hypocaust building.
Initiate footpath widening project along the west side of the
lakes.
Look at the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the southern
end of the lake
Plant new hedgerow along the remaining part of the western
boundary of the site near St Michael’s Street entrance.
Status (complete at
end of Year 3)
EH / SADC ‐ Ongoing
SADC / VM / GM 1.3
SADC ‐
SADC ‐
CMS / FoVP 4.5
Ongoing woodland management SADC / FoVP / CMS
Establishment of new tree planting across the site, to include
memorial trees. Appropriate locations to be identified by
archaeologist.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part of a rolling
programme of refurbishment works and reactive maintenance.
‐ Ongoing
SADC 4.6 Ongoing
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
Explore feasibility of upgrading play area SADC / CMS ‐
Installation of a power supply to be used for events SADC ‐

F1
Monitor success of habitat
restoration projects and adjust
maintenance / management as
appropriate
Monitor success of new feature trees, work to vegetation along
the west bank of the River Ver, habitat works to island, and other
previous works.
CMS / SADC ‐
F4
Carry out regular consultation
exercises to let people know what is
happening in the Park, and to
provide an opportunity for feedback
Set up a consultation exercise to publicise plans for upgrade of
play area, and initial scoping for skate park potential.
SADC / CMS ‐

Plant new hedgerow along the remaining part
of the western boundary of the site near
St Michael's Street entrance.
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U %U%U
%U
%U
%U
Explore feasibility of upgrading play area.
Initiate footpath widening project
Look at the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras
at the southern end of the lake.
VERULAMIUM PARK
Year 3 Action Plan 2014 - 2015
Updated JC CMS 17.12.12
%U BBQ Area
%U Entrance Sign
%U Interpretation
%U Picnic Table
AdiZone
Amenity grass
Beach Volleyball Court
Basketball Court
Building
Crazy Golf
Cricket square
Electricity comp
Football Pitch
Golf fairway
Golf green
Golf sand
Hard surface
Hedge
Meadow grass
Playground
Roman wall
Rough grass
Running track
Scrub
Splash park
Tennis Courts
Water
Westminster Lodge
Wetland veg
Woodland
2014-15 Action
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
Installation of power supply to be
used for events.
%U
%U
%U
%U
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
%U
%U
Set up consultation exercise to publicise plans for
upgrade of play area, and initial scoping for skate
park potential.
Establishment of new tree planting across the site
to include memorial trees. Appropriate locations to
be identified by archaeologist.
Ongoing woodland management.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part
of a rolling programme of refurbishment works and
reactive maintenance.
b
b
b
b
N
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011

YEAR 4 Action Plan 2015 ‐ 2016
Obj.
ref
A1
A3
B3
C4
C6
D1
E1
E2
F1
Objective Action Responsibility Spec.
ref
Ensure above ground historic
features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed
to ensure their preservation
Develop and promote a greater
understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of
the post‐Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic
landscape history is reflected in the
Park
Provide a suitable network of
accessible paths throughout the Park
Manage woodland areas for the
benefit of both wildlife and park
visitors
Manage parkland and veteran trees
and establish replacement planting
Establish and introduce a standard,
uniform design of furniture
Ensure existing recreational facilities
are maintained in safe and
serviceable condition, and improved
and upgraded as required
Provide new recreational facilities
where need and/or opportunity has
been identified
Monitor success of habitat
restoration projects and adjust
maintenance / management as
appropriate
Maintain above and below ground scheduled monuments in
accordance with EH requirements; annual monitoring review with
EH Field Monument Warden.
Re‐ mark out the footprints of several of the Roman buildings in
the vicinity of the mosaic/hypocaust building.
Install a surfaced footpath alongside the southern section of the
River Ver (to follow the route of the existing grass path). Surface
to be recycled crushed concrete.
Status (complete at
end of Year 4)
EH / SADC ‐ Ongoing
SADC / VM / GM 1.3
CMS / SADC 5.3
Ongoing woodland management SADC / FoVP / CMS
Establishment of new tree planting across the site, to include
memorial trees. Appropriate locations to be identified by
archaeologist.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part of a rolling
programme of refurbishment works and reactive maintenance.
Explore feasibility of resurfacing running track.
Explore feasibility of installing a skate park close to Honeywell Hill
‐ Ongoing
SADC 4.6 Ongoing
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
SADC Leisure
Facilities
SADC / Leisure
facilities / CMS
Monitor success of previous works CMS / SADC ‐
‐
‐

%U
VERULAMIUM PARK
Action Plan Year 4 2015 - 2016
Updated JC CMS 17.12.12
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U %U%U
%U
%U
%U
%U BBQ Area
%U Entrance Sign
%U Interpretation
%U Picnic Table
%U Power supply
AdiZone
Amenity grass
Basketball Court
Beach Volleyball Court
Building
Crazy Golf
Cricket square
Electricity comp
Football Pitch
Golf fairway
Golf green
Golf sand
Hard surface
Hedge
Meadow grass
Playground
Roman wall
Rough grass
Running track
Scrub
Splash park
Tennis Courts
Water
Westminster Lodge
Wetland veg
Woodland
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
Install a surfaced footpath alongside the southern
section of the River Ver (to follow the route of the
existing grass path). Surface to be recycled
crushed concrete.
%U
%U
%U
%U
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
%U
%U
Establishment of new tree planting across the site
to include memorial trees. Appropriate locations to
be identified by archaeologist.
Ongoing woodland management.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part
of a rolling programme of refurbishment works and
reactive maintenance.
b
b
b
b
Explore feasibility of
resurfacing running track
Explore feasibility of installing
a skate park close to
Honeywell Hill.
N
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011

YEAR 5 Action Plan 2016 ‐ 2017
Obj.
ref
A1
A3
C4
C6
D1
E1
F1
F3
Objective Action Responsibility Spec.
ref
Ensure above ground historic
features and buried archaeological
remains are appropriately managed
to ensure their preservation
Develop and promote a greater
understanding and interest in the
Roman town, the development of
the post‐Roman landscape and, in
particular, how this dynamic
landscape history is reflected in the
Park
Manage woodland areas for the
benefit of both wildlife and park
visitors
Manage parkland and veteran trees
and establish replacement planting
Establish and introduce a standard,
uniform design of furniture
Ensure existing recreational facilities
are maintained in safe and
serviceable condition, and improved
and upgraded as required
Monitor success of habitat
restoration projects and adjust
maintenance / management as
appropriate
Adjust management in light of
experience
Maintain above and below ground scheduled monuments in
accordance with EH requirements; annual monitoring review with
EH Field Monument Warden.
Re‐ mark out the footprints of several of the Roman buildings in
the vicinity of the mosaic/hypocaust building.
Status (complete at
end of Year 5)
EH / SADC ‐ Ongoing
SADC / VM / GM 1.3
Ongoing woodland management SADC / FoVP / CMS
Establishment of new tree planting across the site, to include
memorial trees. Appropriate locations to be identified by
archaeologist.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part of rolling
programme of refurbishment works and reactive maintenance.
Following feasibility study, aim to resurface running track.
‐ Ongoing
SADC 4.6 Ongoing
SADC 2.1 Ongoing
SADC Leisure
Facilities
Monitor success of previous works CMS / SADC ‐
Review and revise Management Plan for the period 2017‐2022. SADC / CMS ‐
‐

%U
VERULAMIUM PARK
Year 5 Action Plan 2016 - 2017
Updated JC CMS 17.12.12
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U %U%U
%U
%U
%U
%U BBQ Area
%U Entrance Sign
%U Interpretation
%U Picnic Table
%U Power supply
AdiZone
Amenity grass
Basketball Court
Beach Volleyball Court
Building
Crazy Golf
Cricket square
Electricity comp
Football Pitch
Golf fairway
Golf green
Golf sand
Hard surface
Hedge
Meadow grass
Playground
Roman wall
Rough grass
Running track
Scrub
Splash park
Tennis Courts
Water
Westminster Lodge
Wetland veg
Woodland
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
Year 5 actions to focus on monitoring of works
from previous years, and review and update of
Management Plan, to include actions for the
period 2017-2022.
Consultation exercise as part of the Management
Plan review process and determination of actions.
Establishment of new tree planting across the site
to include memorial trees. Appropriate locations to
be identified by archaeologist.
Ongoing woodland management.
Ongoing replacement of benches and bins as part
of a rolling programme of refurbishment works and
reactive maintenance.
%U
%U
%U
%U
%U
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
b
%U
Resurfacing of
running track
%U
N
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council, 100019606 ,2011