Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Apologies for absence were intimated from:-

Audrey Martin

The minute of the previous meeting which was held on 18 February 2014,  was approved as a true record. 

The Committee considered a report outlining the benefit of appointing a representative from the Education Service to the Committee.  Members discussed areas which they thought worthy of exploration for potential partnerships. 

The Committee noted the report and agreed that Eileen Kay become a member of the Committee.  It was further agreed that Charlie Cairns and the Friends of Duchess Wood would contact Eileen Kay for a discussion prior to the next meeting in August.

The Committee considered the revised Events Policy following suggested “tweaks” at the previous meeting. 

The Committee agreed that there would be an exemption in place for small Community-led and Educational events, which would require notification only, rather than an application.  

The Committee agreed to approve the revised Events Policy, with the addition of the afore-mentioned exemption and procedures for taking forward the policy – particularly a single point of contact - would be agreed at the next meeting.

If the Committee had any further comments, they would notify Lynsey Innis directly.

 The Committee were provided with an update by Charlie Cairns in regards to the green gym.  Mr Cairns advised that there had been 8 green gym days run to date with the majority of the work undertaken around the 2 identified coupes which were cleared of smaller trees through the use of both chainsaw and hand tools. 

Further discussion was given to the need for more correlation, more effective marketing and the need to engage with local GPs.  Charlie Cairns highlighted that the previous funding in 2008/2009 was primarily for health referrals.  However, he advised that the new funding was not solely for this purpose and the ethos was to target other groups.

Having noted the popularity of the green gym the Committee agreed that they would like to see the green gym programme continued.   Charlie Cairns will prepare a brief for the next green gym and willcirculate to the Committee for review and further feedback.  

The Committee unanimously commended the previous work undertaken by John Johnstone at the green gym.

Charlie Cairns provided the Committee with a verbal update in regard to the liaison with the Employability Team. Charlie will arrange a meeting with Danny Harking, Audrey Baird and representatives of the Friends of Duchess Wood to determine the future allocation/management of tasks.

The Committee commended the work which had been undertaken by the Employability Team.

Stewart Campbell, Chair of the Friends of Duchess Wood provided members with an update in regard to the notice boards.  The Committee noted the information, which had been disseminated by Lynsey Innis, following the previous meeting. He highlighted issues in regards planning legislation and advised that he was still awaiting a response to a letter he had written to the Planning Department. The Chair agreed that she would raise this issue with the Planning Department

Mr Campbell provided an update in regards to the application from the John Muir Fund for funding for the Flower Walk Leaflet.  Mr Campbell advised of the progress of the way markings which were now in place around the red route.  The Flower Walk will be launched on Saturday 24^th May with a guided walk taking place..

 The Committee considered a report by the Council’s Service Development Officer providing the up-to-date position in regard to the routine maintenance of Duchess Woods.  Stuart McCracken advised the Committee of new legislation recently implemented for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed.

Stuart advised that no new litter bins had been purchase, as yet and introduced Charlie McIver, Technical Officer.  He asked that any issues in regards litter/litter bins be notified to Charlie.

Charlie’s contact number is:-

 07776753 463

Stewart Campbell drew attention to several tree issues and it was agreed that Stuart McCracken and Stewart Campbell would review the Eastern boundary of the Wood later in the year.

The Committee agreed to note the update.  

The Committee considered a report which outlined the work undertaken by Friends of Duchess Wood (FODW), such as monthly work parties, fencing repairs and litter control.  Members were advised of recent activity such as the memorial plaque to Councillor Al Reay being installed, the planting of 30 native trees and the waymarking posts for the flower walk and main paths received ready for siting.  Further discussion was had in relation to the planned future events and grant funding applications.

The Committee noted the report. 

Paper by Friends of Duchess Wood

The Committee considered a report from Friends of Duchess Woods outlining the failure of dog control and the possible effects of the problems.  The Committee agreed the five points suggested by the Friends of Duchess Wood.

The Committee also agreed that this item would come back for further discussion in 6 months time.  However, if the Committee had any issues in the meantime they should be relayed to Lynsey Innis.

Alistair Macbeth tabled an extract of the Minute from the meeting held on 10 February 2012.  This agreed that temporary notices could be put up by DWLNRC, LCG, FODW.  However any other person or organisation would need to obtain advance permission from DWLNRC or the Chairperson.

The Committee agreed that Friends of Duchess Wood could remove any fly posting in Duchess Wood.

Simon Mills of Lomond School spoke of the possible use of Duchess Woods as an outdoor nursery.

He introduced Gemma Peace, Head of Under-5s to the Committee and Gemma outlined her proposal to hold an Open Air Nursery in Duchess Wood. She envisaged a daily class in the Wood lasting approximately from 0930-1130.  Equipment would be brought on a daily basis and no permanent structure would be erected.

Discussion followed, these included - Health and Safety, nurturing issues and the need for Care Commission approval.

The Committee agreed to support the proposal, in principle.  It was further agreed that a model would need to be developed which would come back for review and approval to a future Duchess Wood meeting.

The next meeting of the Duchess Wood Local Nature Reserve will take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 19^th August 2014 within the Braeholm, 31E Montrose Street, Helensburgh.

The next meeting of the Duchess Wood Local Nature Reserve will take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 19^th August 2014 within the Braeholm, 31E Montrose Street, Helensburgh.