Brook Hollows Spinney & Fishpond
(Reports taken from Rollestonian)

Winter 2002 News

The New Team

It probably seems a along time since the Parks and Countryside team, at ESBC, has contributed to the Rollestonian. It was probably in Autumn 2001, with an overall view of the management plan for Brookhollows, written by Carolyn Buckley.

Since that time, there is a new management team, along with Rolleston Civic Trust looking after the site. They are, myself, Martin Harrison, the Park Ranger for Uttoxeter and Rural areas, and David Truslove, the Area Open Space Officer for the same geographical area. This area includes, Rolleston, Tutbury, Barton, Yoxall, Uttoxeter, Mayfield, Draycott, Marchington and Leigh, so it’s only a small area that we have to look after!

You might ask what credentials we have to continue the good work that the Civic Trust and ESBC have done. Well speaking for myself, I have a degree in Environmental Studies, and have worked as a Ranger for Severn Trent Water for 4 years, also working for the Countryside Service for the County Council, and also worked as a mammal keeper at a zoo, for over a year. So if we find any lemurs or meerkats in the wood., I am the man for the job.

Management Plan
On a more serious note since I was appointed in February, I have met and worked with some members of the Civic Trust, on a work party and towards the very successful Queens Jubilee celebrations. The impression I get is that Brookhollows is a treasured position in the friendly Rolleston community. So if you have any ideas or queries, please do not hesitate to contact David, or myself on the number at the end of this article.

Within my role I patrol the site on at least a weekly basis, where I check the site for hazards, chat to people and encourage proper use of the site - from dog owners picking up their dogs mess, to talking to teenagers about the fact that the site is there to be enjoyed by everyone.

Snowberry
Within the management plan its states ‘management centers on encouraging native species’- thus the clearance of non-native species, such as the invasive snowberry. It was decided that a section of snowberry should be cleared (by contractors), using brushcutters and perhaps sprayed. The area in question then will be planted up with native tree whips, by myself and the Civic Trust, and any volunteers that wish to help.
This will be the start of a program to clear, sections of snowberry and plant up.

Other Works
As you are probably aware, the vehicle barrier has been damaged for some time, but has been made stable by my own fair hands. The situation at present is that a new section of ‘knee rail’ fencing be constructed on Burnside, with lockable and removal sections for vehicle access. The old barrier will then be removed, although some investigation into the footpath that runs through Brookhollows, may be needed before this is completed.

A brand new shiny bin has just been erected next to the bench near to the lawns, so no excuse for you fishermen or children eating sweets while sitting on the bench not to put your litter in the bin.

With regard to the fishermen, I recently put a ‘no fishing past this point’ sign on the life buoy upright post. Unfortunately after approximately 2 weeks it went missing. I just want to make the point that it is there for everyone’s benefit. Concerns had been brought to our attention that some fishermen are using long poles, which are OK but, past the sign they stick out several feet onto the footpath, therefore becoming a trip hazard. Just imagine a little boy or girl running to feed the mallards and mute swans, with a long pole next to the water. So please appreciate why the sign is there.

Wildlife
I was pleased to see the array of wildlife that the spinney has, through spring, summer and autumn. Damselflies and dragonflies, moles and mice, plus the ever-present mallards and the frequent grey heron and greater spotted woodpecker. If you have any sightings please forward them to me, so we can keep a record, and perhaps produce a newsletter or a section in the Rollestonian of the wildlife seen.

Don’t Forget
To look at our new Parks and Countryside events leaflet for Autumn and Winter, which includes loads of stuff to see and do in and around East Staffordshire, including the Fungus Foray, which was held in October, and will be reported on in the next issue, just to wet you appetite.

See you soon in Brookhollows.
Martin Harrison
Park Ranger , Uttoxeter and Rural Areas.
ESBC Parks and Countryside Dept. Tel 508724

Site Management Plan 2001 - 2011 (Rollestonian - Autumn 2001)

The following is a non-technical summary of East Staffordshire Borough Council's ten-year management plan for Brookhollows. Full copies of the plan are available on application to the address below.

The plan will form one of a series of similar management plans for Parks and Countryside or 'Greenspace' sites managed by the Borough. The overall approach is to offer a wide range of opportunities for public access and recreation whilst retaining and enhancing the wildlife and landscape value of the sites.

SITE DESCRIPTION

Brookhollows is a 3.62 hectare site located on the south western edge of the village of Rolleston on Dove. Approximately half of the site is mixed woodland, with the remainder open water and a small area of grassed lawn. There is open access throughout the site for walkers, and fishing is permitted for people that live or work within East Staffordshire borough.

BACKGROUND

Brookhollows has not always been woodland. As early as 100 years ago, the area was open parkland surrounding a chain of three lakes, along the course of the Alderbrook. The lakes were part of the landscaping of the Mosley Estate, ending with a formal waterfall flowing into a lower pool which fed the Alderbrook in Burnside.

During the last century, the two upper lakes were drained and the remaining lake and lower pool are now much smaller. The island has been created very recently by silt dredgings from the lake. The spinney was planted between 1890 and 1900, and it is evident that few trees are older than that.

Following the demise of the Mosley Estate in 1924, the site remained in private ownership until 1973, when it was purchased by Tutbury Rural District Council.

CURRENT MANAGEMENT

Brookhollows can still be considered a developing woodland, and management centres on encouraging native woodland species. That means clearing non-native species such as sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and snowberry (Symphoricarpos), and planting native trees and shrubs, such as oak, ash, yew and holly.

Another key aim of management is to maintain the lake and lower pool. A silt trap is in place to slow the rate of siltation and this needs to be emptied periodically.

The site is well used by local people, both for walking and fishing. Path maintenance is an ongoing task, concentrating on the main path loop to try and discourage the use of a number of desire lines.

Cycling and horse riding are not permitted, although both activities do sometimes take place. The creation of bike "jumps" is a particular problem. The lawn area is more formal in appearance than the rest of the site, with short mown grass, spring bulbs and mature parkland trees.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF BROOKHOLLOWS

Brookhollows will continue to echo the impact of the Mosley Estate on the village of Rolleston on Dove.

The management goal is for a woodland dominated by oak and ash with some beech and alder, plus occasional lime, horse chestnut, birch and conifers to retain the character of the old estate.

Brookhollows will continue to provide an important recreational resource for the village as well as a valuable wildlife haven.

The continuing community involvement through the partnership with the Civic Trust is key to achieving this vision.

YOUR COMMENTS

The plan is intended to be a working document and is subject to continual review. Input from local people and from interested organisations is welcome throughout the period of this plan and concerns about the management of the site should be sent to:-

ESBC Parks and Countryside Section
Midland Grain Warehouse
Derby Street
Burton upon Trent DE14 2JJ

Brook Hollows
Summer 2001 News

I was very pleased to be able to open Brookhollows, after the foot and mouth outbreak forced us to close. Thank you to everyone for adhering to the notices. Obviously the risk of further foot and mouth outbreaks has not completely passed, so it is very important that people continue to observe notices and keep off those footpaths that remain closed.

Being more or less confined to the office in the last couple of months has meant that I have been able to catch up on lots of paperwork, including the revision of the Brookhollows management plan, which is now available in both a full and a summary format. To receive a copy telephone (01283 508724).

Very briefly, the plan acknowledges that the area was originally much more open with a scattering of mature trees. It is still possible to pick out those original trees, particularly the Corsican pines and the beech trees. The remaining trees are mostly under 100 years old, and so this is still a very young woodland that is still developing. Sycamore is the most common tree. One of the key management tasks is to reduce the dominance of this non-native tree, by selectively felling, and planting native oak, ash and beech. Similarly, snowberry is gradually taking over the woodland, and this also needs controlling to allow the growth of native shrubs and wildflowers. The plan includes a commitment to maintain and enhance the lake, weirs and waterfalls as key features of the site, by regularly emptying of the silt trap and structural repairs to the weirs. At the heart of all this work is the continuing partnership with the Civic Trust, and involving the community in all aspects of managing Brookhollows.

On that note, many thanks to those of you who worked extremely hard to resurface the paths and plant some trees, at the last work party. I was amazed at how quickly we got through 10 tonnes of stone!

I have submitted a planning application to remove some of the heavy lower branches on the Corsican pines to give them a better structure. This follows the snapping of a pine tree during the winter storms, causing damage to neighbouring properties.

As there was no sign of rot, it appears this was purely due to the strong gales and the "sail" effect of the lower branches twisting the tree.

Finally, by the time this is printed, I will have left ESBC, to take up a position with Bridgnorth D.C. in Shropshire. I have enjoyed my time at ESBC very much, particularly my involvement with Brookhollows. I would like to thank all those people who have volunteered their time over the last few years, to work on a variety of practical tasks. I am especially grateful to Tom Martin and John Carlton for all their efforts. It has been a pleasure to work with you.

Carolyn Buckley
Ex Countryside Officer ESBC

(Rolleston Civic Trust has given a small leaving present to Carolyn in recognition of her collaboration with the village during her time with ESBC.)

Brook Hollows
Spring 2001 News

I’ve finally received the full list of fungus species found during the fungal foray on 22nd October, so here it is.

Nectria cinnabarina - Coral spot

Xylaria hypoxylon - Candle snuff or stag’s horn

Xylaria polymorpha - Dead man’s fingers

Amanita rubescens - The blusher

Armillaria (species) - Honey fungus family

Clitocybe nebularis - Clouded agaric often called ‘tough shanks’ due to the fibrous stem
Collybia (species)

Hypholoma fasciculare - Sulphur tuft

Macrolepiota procera - Parasol mushroom

Pholiota squarrosa - Shaggy pholiota
Pluteus (species)

Stropharia aeruginosa - Verdigris agaric

Tricholomopsis rutilans - Plums & custard

Auricularia auricula-judae - Jews ear

Xerocomus chrysenteron - Red cracked boletus

Ganoderma applanatum - Artist’s fungus

Lycoperdon perlatum - Puffball

Lycoperdon pyriforme - Puffball

Crucibulum laeve - Common birds nest

Laetiporus sulphurous - Sulphur polypore or chicken of the woods

Tremetes versicolour Stereum hirsutum - Hairy stereum

Not surprisingly, these are all species associated with woodlands, either growing on live trees, dead wood or leaf litter.

Most of the varieties found are fairly common, with the exception of Common Birds Nest for which there are very few records in Staffordshire (although that may be due to it being overlooked).

There are around 3000 species of larger fungi in the British Isles, so learning to identify them can be somewhat of a challenge! But now you know which fungi are in Brookhollows, why not get a fungi identification guide and have a go at learning these 23 varieties?

Carolyn Buckley, Countryside Officer ESBC, Tel: 508573