Liphook Community Magazine Winter 2021

BRAMSHOTT AND LIPHOOK
Parish Council Update
Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council (BLPC) is responsible for
a number of areas of public open green space – Millennium Green,
Fletchers Field, Little Recreation Ground and the Recreation
Ground. The Recreation Ground is home to Liphook United Football
Club, the Bowls’ Club, the Tennis Club and children’s play areas.
The jewel in our crown is Radford Park which is a natural area
within the River Wey Conservation Area, and a large part is
designated a SINC (Site of Interest for Nature Conservation).
Our Grounds Team have a wide range of tasks to perform to keep
these areas to a high standard. BLPC is very pleased to welcome
Dugg Budd as our new Grounds Manager, who comes to us with
extensive experience, knowledge and enthusiasm. Doug said,
“I’ve grown up and lived in Liphook all my life. For the past six
years I was Grounds Manager for Petersfield Town Council (PTC)
where I built the grounds team and brought services inhouse,
and also delivered grounds services to other local parishes. I
worked for BLPC as a consultant for three months in 2018,
which means I have hit the ground running.
Dugg Budd, Grounds Manager.
Having trained three
apprentices for PTC, I will
support and mentor our
apprentice, Isaac Monk. I’m
fortunate to have two very
experienced grounds’ staff,
Andrew Jones and Rick
Bowley, who have held
the fort prior to my
appointment. Andrew’s
knowledge of sports pitch
maintenance is second to
I have literally come home, and relish the chance to work with
my team and Councillors to provide outstanding public open
spaces for the residents of Bramshott and Liphook.”
Community Orchard Update
BLPC approved establishing a Community Orchard at Fletchers
Field (GU30 7ET) in September. The original concept was to
provide a quiet area which will grow into a community space, for
residents to enjoy for many years to come. However, this project
is proving to be of wider benefit in a multitude of ways. Planting
more trees will contribute towards action against climate
change, blossom from the fruit trees and wildflowers will help
pollinators, and therefore aid nature to recover.
The proposed trees are all local heritage varieties, that were
raised in Hampshire. Initial research by our advisors,
Community Orchard Project Southeast (COPSE), revealed that
Liphook has its very own variety of Heritage apple, discovered
200m away in the garden of what is now called Hailie. In 1938 it
was called the Bramshott Rectory, when Canon Berrisford was in
residence, and the apple was presented to the National Fruit
Collection. Other trees to be planted will be Marjorie Seedling
and Czar plums, Medlar Nottingham and Beauty of Hants and
Bendenden early apple varieties.
Planting Map of the Proposed Community Orchard
Fruit trees proposed
(x6), about 5m from
existing footpaths
and no less than 5m
from each other
Mown footpath
within wildflower
meadow linking
fruit trees
Existing
wild
cherry
Stump feature
retained
within meadow
Medlar
Heritage
apple
varieties
towards
centre of
meadow
From left, Dugg with Isaac and Rick from the Grounds Team.
none. Having worked on Radford Park for 38 years, Rick is an
expert on its history and how it has evolved.
We have replaced the knee rail fencing at both Fletchers Field and
the Recreation Ground car park. I am getting quotations for new
equipment for the play area at the Recreation Ground. I want to
address the drainage and install drop kerbs in Radford Park car
park; repair the walkway between Liphook Bowling Club and
the Recreation Ground; and install new, informative signage for
all BLPC owned or controlled public open areas. Our general
maintenance programme is now focusing on clearing leaves and
cutting hedges. Radford Park is our Winter focus, addressing
waterways, paths and trying to control Himalayan Balsam,
nettles and brambles.
Plum varieties
Mature maple proposed to
have bench installed
around the base
Wildflower meadow, with
a 2-3m short mown strip
around edge of orchard
For any information on BLPC activities, please contact us at:
Email: Council@bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk
Tel.: 01428 722988
Web: www.bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk
6