Dear Resident,
I wanted to share early progress with the pilot to cut back the first of the overgrown verges on the estate. As mentioned in the last newsletter, we are working to reclaim a number of verges that have become overgrown in recent years.
Our aim is to provide a greater feeling of space and openness either side of the estate roads to allow better sightlines and enhanced vistas within the Hill, to improve safety by removing potential obstructions from the roadsides, to aid better security with an integrated CCTV roll-out programme, and to fulfil our obligations of effective maintenance of SGHRA land – all whilst preserving that woodland feel within the country lane context.
To date just one area of West Road has had the overgrown vegetation cut back, specimen trees have been revealed and can now ‘breath’, and one of the new verges has been landscaped. Specifically, the verge has been dressed in new top soil, turfed and will be enhanced with additional planting (e.g., Blue Bells, Snow Drops) to help enrich the woodland feel. We are encouraging the rhododendrons to grow back by feeding them with Ericaceous compost (which makes the soil more acid) and slow-release nutrients to help ensure a vibrant and thriving look by the Spring.
I hope the attached photographs of works completed yesterday, which show the verge before, during and after, will demonstrate the positive benefits that can be achieved.
Once the pilot on West Road is finished, we will be looking to take forward this initiative sensitively as it makes sense to address different sections of the estate sequentially, rather than do too much in one area. Future plans will very much be in consultation with residents to ensure that the nature of the cutting back is appropriate to the prevailing context and residents’ views.
Richard Maundrell
Chief Executive
