Penfield Nature Reserve, Langtoft.

Terms of Reference for PNR Reserve Advisory Group – (PRAG)

Purpose

To manage the Penfield Nature Reserve (formerly known as Pocket Park) on behalf of Langtoft Parish Council.

Scope

The group is responsible for delivering the following to the Parish Council:

• Day to day management and maintenance of the nature reserve for the benefit of the wildlife and the local community.

• Maintain footpaths and fencing to both facilitate and additionally limit access to protected parts of the site.
• Organise activities that both engages with the local community and educates them about the wildlife living in the reserve (Open days, School activity visits, Guided tours).
• Assist the council with communications and publicity regarding the reserve (regular Grapevine articles, website updates).
• Manage an ongoing development plan with ideas and recommendations for improvements for visitors (e.g. information boards, directional signs, disabled access and viewing area), and for the wildlife (e.g. nest boxes, wildflower meadow planting, Frog/Newt pond).
• Assistance to the council in sourcing ongoing and any additional funding.
• Working with established wildlife organisations (Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Langdyke Countryside Trust) monitor and record the wild populations (wildlife surveys) and general health of the site (Habitat Management Plan).
• Manage the volunteer working parties to deliver the above.
• If required make any further recommendations on the aims and objectives for the use of the reserve.
• Make recommendations on actions needed to meet any relevant legislation associated with the reserve and access to it. For example, Health and Safety, Disability Discrimination Act etc.
• If required make any further recommendations for rules and regulations covering the community’s use of the reserve.

Membership

• The group will consist of up to 8 members consisting of 3 parish councillors and up to 5 members of the community.
• The Penfield Management Group overseen by the Parish Council members on the group recruits members.
• The Penfield Management Group and the Parish Council reserve the right to ask members to stand for re-election to the group at any time. Others may be invited as required.

Responsibilities

Members will be flexible in terms of responsibilities and it is expected that individuals will take on responsibilities and tasks in line with what is required and with regard to their own knowledge, skills and abilities.

However, to ensure stability and knowledge growth, individual members will take the lead in the following areas: -

• Andy Hallam - Chairman and Communications

• Martin Coates – Land, Environmental and Wildlife Management advisor

• Steve Valentine – Tools and Equipment Management, Website Maintenance.

• Julian Tatum – Legislation, External Funding Investigations

• Augy Harrison – Working Party Organisation, Nature hood Representative

• Lewis Trickey – Schools Liaison

• Tony Davies – East End Park and Saturday Working Parties

Review

The terms of reference should be reviewed as required on an annual basis.

Governance

• The group will meet monthly throughout the year. Meetings will be organised by the Chairman.
• The group members will generate topics for the agenda.
• All members will be given the opportunity to add items to the meeting agendas prior to meetings being held to ensure all stakeholders contribute effectively.
• Notes from meetings will be emailed to members 1 week after each meeting.
• Non-members may be invited to meetings for example those with specialist knowledge.
• Suitable records and accounts should be kept by members to allow adequate reporting and to meet any legal audit requirements.
• Overall accountability for financial reporting and probity is the accountability of the Parish Council.
• Reports to be provided to Council Meetings.