Agenda Papers 11.8.26 Environment Committee

The Council Office, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 - www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk - email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Notice of Environment Committee meeting to be held on
Tuesday 11 August 2026, 5.30pm in The Council Chamber,
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5QB

AGENDA

1. Apologies and acceptance for absence

2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

3. Public Participation

Members of the public are invited to speak and are only permitted to speak at this point in the meeting.
(Public participation shall be in accordance with Standing Orders and shall not exceed 15 minutes unless
such time is extended by the Chairman).

4. Approval of the minutes of the meeting held 12 May 2026

5. To receive budget monitoring report and to note

6. To consider arranging a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing

7. To consider RHS project funding application.

8. To receive an update on the Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project

9. To receive verbal report regarding the 3 June 2026 visit to Mile Cross Green
projects.

10. To consider draft of article for Just Hellesdon magazine and to approve for
publication.

11. To receive a verbal update from the Clerk regarding grass cutting in the Parish

12. To consider the date, time and venue of the next meeting.

  Jonathan Hall
  Clerk to the Council                                    Dated 5 August 2026
               The Council Office, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
                 Tel: 01603 301751 www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk        email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Minutes of the Meeting of Hellesdon Environment Committee
on Tuesday 12 May 2026 5.30pm
held in the Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Hellesdon
Present at the Meeting
Cllr Ian Duckett (Chairman)
Cllr David Britcher
Cllr Andrew Lock
Cllr David Maidstone
Cllr Mel Maidstone

Also Present:
Jonathan Hall (Clerk & RFO)
Kevin Sage (Facilities Manager)
Rebecca Larke (Deputy Clerk)

Cllr Ian Duckett took the chair and welcomed all attendees, opening the meeting at 5.30pm

1. Apologies and acceptance for absence
No apologies were received.

2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
No declarations were made or dispensations requested.

3. Public Participation
No members of the public in attendance.

4. Approval of the minutes from Tuesday 10 March 2026
The minutes were APPROVED and signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting and were
signed by the Chairman.

Cllr Ian Duckett raised two matters arising from the previous meeting. An article has been drafted
ready for inclusion in the next edition of Just Hellesdon. Cllr Ian Duckett will share this with the
committee initially. Cllr Ian Duckett to liaise with fellow committee members over a trip to Mile Cross
to explore environmental actions they have implemented.

5. Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project

Kevin Sage talked the committee through his report and proposal. Cllr Ian Duckett thanked Kevin
Sage for his hard work. It was confirmed that the work has to be completed by the end of December
2026 to fulfil the terms of the grant awarded. It was RESOLVED to proceed with the proposal.

6. To confirm the date, time and venue of the next meeting
The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 5.30pm in the Council Chamber,
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood view Road, Hellesdon Norwich NR6 5QB

Meeting closed at 5:55 pm

Approved…………………………………………………...…

Date………………………………………
HPC Environment Committee Minutes 12th May 2026
 07 August 2026 (2026 - 2027)

                                                                    Hellesdon Parish Council
                                                      Cost Centre Year Comparison Summary
                                                                      Cost Centre Environment
Code Title                       Receipts (Current Year)                   Payments (Current Year)         Receipts (Last Year)            Payments (Last Year)
                                 Budgeted                  Actual          Budgeted              Actual   Budgeted                Actual   Budgeted                Actual

Environment

Environment Income
Environment Projects                                                        5,500.00
Information Boards & Publicity                                              3,000.00
         SUB TOTAL                                                           8,500.00

NET TOTAL 8,500.00

V.A.T.

GROSS TOTAL

Page No. 1
 ITEM NO: 6

Report for : Environment Committee
Date: 11 August 2026
Item Title: To consider arranging a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing

Background and Purpose
The People’s Emergency Briefing is a short public-information film from the National
Emergency Briefing (NEB) initiative. It presents the implications of climate and nature
breakdown for the UK covering areas such as health, food systems, national security, the
economy, infrastructure and local resilience in an accessible format intended for community
screenings and discussion.
The film draws on evidence first presented in Westminster in November 2025 to an audience
of more than 1,200 politicians and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media.
The film is designed to support informed local conversations about the climate and nature
emergency, rather than simply to raise alarm. The official website describes it as presenting
the risks alongside “credible, positive responses”.
Screenings have been hosted by councils, community groups, workplaces and local
organisations across the UK, often followed by facilitated discussion.
The film is around 45–50 minutes long, with many hosts allowing additional time afterwards
for reflection, discussion or questions.
The National Emergency Briefing recommends the film for ages 16+, with further guidance
available for discussing the subject with younger people.
Conclusion
A possible purpose for the parish council to screen would be to help residents, councillors
and local businesses consider what climate and nature risks mean locally, including flooding,
heat, biodiversity, food resilience, carbon footprint, energy use and community response.
Financial Considerations
To maximise public access, community screenings are offered free of charge. For
organisations hosting internal or corporate screenings, NEB invite an optional pay what you
can contribution to support the project and help continue expanding its reach.
NEB provides guidance materials for Community Screenings covering event planning,
facilitation guidance, suggested discussion formats and promotional assets.
The committee would need to commit to reserving time in a room within the Community
Centre. The largest room available is the Majorie Lewis at a hire rate of £30.23 an hour.
Actions / Decisions
If the committee were minded to offer to become a host for a screening it would be need to
consider the following:

   •    Who to invite
   •    Venue options
   •    Costs (donation to NEB – Tea/Coffee offering)
   •    Accessibility,
   •    Safeguarding/age guidance
   •    Publicity
   •    Whether the event should include a structured post-film discussion.

Clerk
August 2026
 ITEM NO: 7

Report for : Environment Committee
Date: 11 August 2026
Item Title: To consider RHS project funding application

Background and Purpose
The RHS announced a partnership initiative via their monthly newsletter.
The RHS, Hubbub and Social Farms & Gardens have formed a UK wide partnership backed
by £3.8 million from The National Lottery Community Fund's Climate Action Fund. The
programme aims to strengthen and expand the UK's community gardening movement over
several years.
Their headline ambitions are to:
• Support around 20,000 existing community gardening groups.
• Encourage the nearly 15 million people who say they would like to garden in their
community.
• Help secure land for community growing, particularly in areas with limited green
space.
• Improve skills, governance, resilience and networking within community gardening
groups.
Why are they doing it?
Research behind the programme found that many community gardening groups are
struggling:
• More than half of groups are concerned about their long-term future.
• Around 30% operate on annual budgets of less than £500.
• Only about 3% own their land.
• Many report lacking leadership, administration and marketing skills.
The partners see community gardens as contributing to:
• Climate action
• Biodiversity enhancement
• Urban cooling and climate resilience
 • Food growing
• Health and wellbeing
• Community cohesion and volunteering
What support will be available?
A major feature will be a national online platform, due to launch in 2028, which will provide:
• Sustainable growing workshops.
• Mentoring programmes.
• Advice on year-round food production.
• Volunteer recruitment support.
• Tools to demonstrate environmental impact.
• Signposting to funding opportunities.
• Networking with other community groups.
The programme will also run campaigns to attract younger people and underrepresented
groups into community gardening. It is working with Thrive to improve accessibility for people
with additional needs.
Conclusion
This could be a valuable community project for the Parish Council to support, subject to
identifying a suitable location that would help bring the project together and encourage local
participation. It may also be appropriate to explore whether local organisations, such as
Hellesdon Horticultural Society (HHS) and Hellesdon Allotment Holder’s Association
(HAHA), are better placed to lead or benefit from the funding available, with the Parish
Council providing support where appropriate.
Financial Considerations
Match funding maybe required and currently the committee has no budget for any further
projects in 2026/27. Any additional budget requirements would need to be agreed by Full
Council.
Actions / Decisions
The committee needs to identify a suitable location and then establish whether Parish
Councils are eligible for the funding. If match funding is required the committee must decide
whether to include such a project in the 27/28 budget or request additional funding from the
26/27 budget from Full Council.

Clerk
August 2026
 ITEM NO: 8

Report for : Environment Committee
Date: 11 August 2026

Item Title: To receive an update on the Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project

Update on Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project
To date, young whips have been ordered to achieve a planting density of four trees per
square metre across both sites, with delivery expected in early November. In addition, 25
container-grown trees, measuring approximately 6 to 8 feet in height and selected for their
attractive autumn colour, have been purchased. These trees will help create a corridor effect,
encouraging hunting raptors such as owls, hawks and peregrine falcons. Peregrine falcons
have already been observed hunting on site during early morning gate opening, which is an
encouraging sign of the area’s value for wildlife.
The chestnut fencing and posts have already been purchased and are in our compound
ready to be erected. We have also been in contact with Grow-Greener Farms, who supply
an organic mulch made from the waste product of maize. This mulch helps improve the soil
by adding valuable organic nutrients.
Tim Tucker, the Director, kindly supplied us with a couple of 25kg bags, which we have
already applied around one of the newly planted trees at Cottingham Park so that we can
monitor how the product performs. Our intention is to purchase approximately half of the
required mulch from Grow-Greener Farms and the remaining half from TMA Bark in the form
of mini chip. Both products cost roughly the same, and together we estimate that we will
require between 50 and 60 cubic metres.
Due to the three heatwaves we have experienced this summer, we are now hoping for a
period of sustained rainfall to improve ground conditions. The prolonged dry weather has
inevitably delayed some work, as we would ideally have applied a weed treatment ready for
rotavating the planting areas by now. However, I am not concerned at this stage, and remain
confident that, provided we receive some favourable weather over the coming weeks, the
project will remain on schedule.
Apart from the above, we only need to organise a few miscellaneous items for the project,
including materials for the gate, staples, hinges and other fittings.
The Deputy Facilities Manager is preparing some educational material to use when
speaking to the schoolchildren. We are also considering demonstrating how to take
hardwood cuttings from trees, allowing the children to take some of their own cuttings at
home or at school.
Councillor Ian Duckett will hopefully provide an update regarding the schoolchildren’s
involvement at the meeting on 11 August 2026.
Finally, I have a meeting with Dr Lizzie Archer and her team at Norfolk County Council on 18
August at 10.00 am. Dr Archer, who is the Green Infrastructure Team Leader, would like to
discuss the project and find out how far we have progressed.

Kevin Sage
Facilities Manager
Hellesdon Parish Council

August 2026
 ITEM NO: 10

Report for : Environment Committee
Date: 11 August 2026

Item Title: To consider draft of article for Just Hellesdon magazine and to approve for
publication.

Draft article below produced by Cllr Duckett:

The beginning of Hellesdon’s mini forest
Engaging with and about our environment

Hellesdon Parish Council wants to engage with Hellesdon residents on greening the
environment. The first stage of this is the Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project that
the council successfully won funding for.

Protecting our local environment is an investment in the future of our communities,
wildlife, and the generations that will follow. Every tree planted strengthens
biodiversity, improves air quality, captures carbon, reduces flooding, and creates
healthier spaces for people to enjoy. By restoring native habitats and involving local
schools and volunteers, we are building a lasting legacy of environmental
stewardship and community pride. Small actions taken today will grow into thriving
woodlands that support nature for decades to come. Together, we have the
opportunity to leave our area greener, more resilient, and richer in wildlife than we
found it.

Hellesdon's Miyawaki Woodland Planting Project

Hellesdon Parish Council's approach to tree planting using the Miyawaki method,
incorporating lessons learned from previous unsuccessful schemes, site constraints,
and practical considerations including budget, school involvement, and long-term
maintenance. The proposal focuses on completing and improving woodland creation
at existing and new sites using native saplings rather than mature trees.
Proposal
The initial planting proposals considered unsuitable for two main reasons. First, the
use of 6–8 foot semi-mature trees was inappropriate for a dense woodland scheme
and inconsistent with the Miyawaki method. Second, the proposed planting area
extended across the existing football pitch, which would reduce its recreational value
and is therefore not acceptable.

Review of potential sites

Hellesdon Community Centre Recreation Ground is the most suitable location is the
remaining half of the original Miyawaki planting area at Hellesdon Community Centre
Recreation Ground. The site is already fenced, providing essential protection Part of
a previous Miyawaki trial undertaken with Norfolk County Council was established
here Some earlier planting did not fully establish, presenting an opportunity for
completion and improvement This site is therefore recommended for completion of
the original woodland scheme.

The Environment Committee met in May to consider nearby airport constraints and
Mountfield Park as another potential site. Several hundred saplings were previously
planted with school involvement and decided that, despite issues in the past, this site
remains viable if properly protected It is therefore proposed as a new Miyawaki site,
provided it includes fencing, soil preparation, and aftercare.

Site Preparation

Preparation works will be undertaken prior to planting to ensure the best possible
establishment of the woodland.

September
 Weed control across all planting areas.
 Rotovation of planting areas to relieve soil compaction.
 Incorporation of organic matter and bark mulch to improve soil quality.
 Preparation of planting beds suitable for the dense spacing required by the
Miyawaki method.
October–November
 Installation of protective fencing where required.
 Final preparation of planting areas ready for community and school planting
events.

Rotovation will also improve the condition of the ground, making it safer and easier
for school children to participate in planting activities.

Planting
The Miyawaki method will be used across both sites to create fast-establishing,
biodiverse native woodland.
The planting will involve:
 Dense planting of approximately 3–5 native saplings per square metre.
 A diverse mix of native canopy trees, sub-canopy trees, and shrubs.
 Early-stage maintenance and protection to maximise establishment.
 Development of a resilient, layered woodland structure.
Schools participation

It is envisaged that school pupils will play an active role in the project by planting
their own 1 square metre plot, containing 3–5 native saplings. Each child or group
will also be provided with a bucket of bark mulch to spread around their planted area,
helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the young trees. This hands-
on approach encourages environmental education while creating a sense of
ownership and pride in the woodland.

Councillors have already started discussing the project with Wensum Trust and
specifically Hellesdon High School.

Native tree species selection

All planting will consist of UK native species selected to maximise biodiversity,
resilience, and habitat creation.

Species will include:
 Poplar – fast-growing and suitable for wetter ground.
 Blackthorn – excellent for wildlife and natural hedgerows.
 Field Maple – a hardy native tree providing seasonal colour.
 Elder – supports pollinators and birdlife.
 Willow (various native species) – ideal for damp soils.
 Hazel – valuable for wildlife and future coppicing.
 Scots Pine – a native conifer providing year-round structure.
 Birch – fast-growing and tolerant of poorer soils.
 Box – suitable for the woodland understorey.
 Wild Privet – ideal for dense shrub layers and wildlife habitat.

The mixture of canopy trees, smaller trees, and shrubs will create a diverse
woodland with multiple habitat layers in accordance with Miyawaki principles.

Advantages of Using Saplings

Saplings are the preferred planting material because they:
 Are fully compatible with the Miyawaki planting method.
 Establish stronger root systems than larger transplanted trees.
 Are significantly more cost-effective for high-density planting.
 Are easy for volunteers and school children to plant.
 Can achieve growth of approximately one metre per year under favourable
conditions.

However, should any budget remain after completion of the main woodland planting,
several small feature areas could be enhanced with specimen trees that provide
exceptional seasonal interest. Suitable species include:
 Liquidambar (Sweet Gum)
 Japanese Maple
 Amelanchier
These would be planted with irrigation water bags to aid establishment and provide
attractive autumn colour.

Watering and maintenance
Young trees will be watered using the existing 500-litre pressure washer tank, which
can be adapted for irrigation during dry periods.
This provides a practical and cost-effective watering solution during the critical
establishment period while avoiding the need for additional infrastructure.
Routine maintenance will include:
 Weed control where necessary.
 Monitoring of tree health.
 Replacement of failed saplings if required.
 Inspection and maintenance of tree guards and fencing.

The Environment Committee and full council will continue to review the situation.

Ian Duckett
Chair
Environment Committee
Hellesdon Council

Conclusion
Article will need to be condensed into roughly 450 words if we wish to consider adding
images.

Clerk
Date 2026