Despite all the efforts of the Harthill Allotment Committee to fell the tiny Harthill Copse we can now categorically confirm that the trees are saved for the benefit of wildlife and the community. Thanks are due to Liverpool City Council, Senior Councillor for the Environment and Heritage – Berni Turner, Councillor Robbie Quinn, Merseyside Biodiversity Officer- Dr Richard Burkmar and everybody who has supported this campaign in whatever capacity.
Where is Harthill Copse?
Harthill Copse is a very small area (1,000 m2) of woodland and undergrowth
on the south side of Harthill Allotments in Calderstones Park, Liverpool.
It covers less than 5% of the total allotment site.
Why is it so important?
In November 2005 Liverpool City Council recognised just 2 of its 23 allotments
as being ‘ecologically important’, Harthill Allotments was one
of these sites. Harthill is also one of the smallest allotment sites in the
city, making its designation even more remarkable.
‘Sites not actively managed may have ecological value almost by default through lack of management. At present Mersey Road and Harthill Estate have ecological importance located within the City’s Green Wedges.'
Liverpool Open Space Study Nov 2005
Just three miles from the city centre, the copse is the crucial end point of the Allerton ‘green wedge’ allowing rare species of birds and animals their last chance to penetrate into Liverpool’s urban area. The ‘lack of management’ of the site meant that in 2002 some 9 plots out of 46 lay overgrown and a haven for wildlife. Today the three plots of Harthill Copse represent the last remaining ‘wild area’ left on site.
What wildlife can be found in the copse?
This copse and immediate surroundings are the most bio-diverse area in Calderstones
Park and quite possibly within the City boundary. We challenge anyone
to name a more diverse area within the park! There are nearly 50 medium size
trees on the site ranging in height from 20 to 60 feet high. Over 30 bird
species (e.g. Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker) have been recorded
here, together with fox, stoat, wood mouse, short tailed vole, hedgehog and
other mammal species.
|
|
|
The tall trees on site act as a perching areas for flocks of birds moving through the park, notably from the overgrown council depot and log store next door. Harthill Copse contains several bird feeders, including some set up by the adjacent footpath for viewing by the general public. There are also three nest boxes on site, all currently utilised.
Why else is the copse important?
A well-used footpath runs alongside the copse and provides easy access to visitors
who wish to view the woodland. This combination of accessibility and great
biodiversity gives opportunities for community involvement
in a designated wildlife area.
What is the ultimate plan for Harthill Copse?
The main objective is not to destroy Harthill
Copse and ensure that the Allotment Committee are not allowed to chop down
the woodland unilaterally. Once the woodland has been saved, the area will
be further improved for wildlife and community use.
Our proposals are initially self-financed by volunteers and include the planting of woodland bulbs and native species favouring wildlife. A few benches to encourage allotment community use as well as a bog garden, and possibly a covered pond. Over time there would be some selective felling of sycamore to allow other planted species to compete for light. Bat boxes and hedgehog boxes will also be installed.
A public ‘bird hide’ is proposed by simply cladding a section
of the metal palisade fencing alongside the public footpath and incorporating ‘viewing
rectangles’ in the design. The ease of access and signposting right by
the entrance to the park allows potentially massive use by all age and ability
groups.
The modification of the railings would be cost effective and mean that an element
of vandal proofing would be already incorporated into the design.
The railings could be painted green and made ‘opaque’ by selective
infilling of gaps using natural materials combined with selective planting
of shrubs and placing of log piles to the rear. Illustrated information boards
would also be provided.
 |
 |
 |
In the words of Liverpool City Council’s Open Space Study of Nov 2005
‘Potential exists to increase the nature conservation value of some allotment sites through identifying areas to develop as wildlife habitat.’
"Significant scope exists to develop active social and educational roles through links with schools and other community organisations."
Tiny Woodlands
PO Box 79, Lark Lane, Liverpool L17 2YW
Email: tinywoodlands@blueyonder.co.uk
All images on this site are the copyright of Tiny Woodlands