4 Factors which influence or may influence the features
4.1 Internal natural factors
Succession
The greatest influence on the management of Norbury Park is natural succession. If left unmanaged the open grassland areas would naturally revert to scrub and eventually become woodland.
Natural regeneration
There is a large amount of natural regeneration mainly ash and sycamore within certain areas of the park. The amount of light demanders on the site (ash/sycamore) is very much the result of the 1987/1990 storms and they are fulfilling a temporary pioneer stage. They are not likely to lead to a fall in diversity and with regards to ground flora are likely to increase diversity. Natural regeneration is good and should be encouraged.
4.2
Internal man-induced factors
Certain open areas of the park were ploughed for extra war effort before and during the Second World War period, these areas are still in a transitional period with flowering plant species slowly returning with the re-introduction of grazing.
Over the past couple of years the visiting public have been creating new paths to link in with the existing network. Also shortcuts are becoming established. This presents difficulties when managing access and has increased cost implications allied with further disturbance of resident wildlife.
Dog fouling is a nuisance, presents a public health risk and increases nutrient levels on track edges. This has led to dog bins being installed at the most problematic areas.
4.3 External factors
Norbury Park has 3 farm enterprises within its boundaries and a landscape of farm fields surround the grassland and woodland habitats. Heavy use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers may have an adverse effect on communities and populations within these habitats. However, farm tenancies and the low intensity farming methods currently used ensure that herbicide and fertiliser use is kept to a minimum. Future monitoring of local farming practices should be maintained.
Some low key urbanisation within the locality of the site has occurred (Givon's Grove housing development). The importance of the Mole Gap as a communication route and a desirable area for living should not be ignored and planning permissions for further housing schemes also need to be monitored.
The importance of the A24 as a major route from London to the south coast should also not be overlooked. Increases in traffic movements have a tendancy for road improvement schemes to be implemented. This could also increase noise and pollution levels.
4.4
Factors arising from legislation or tradition
4.4.1
Obligations:
·
Written notice for consent to be sent to English Nature for 'Operations likely to Damage the special interest' under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) 1981
·
Written notice for consent to be sent to English Nature for 'Operations likely to Damage the special interest' under Regulation 19 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (known as the Habitats Regulations).
·
Occupiers Liability Act 1957
·
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
·
Surrey County Council Act 1931
·
English Heritage Historic Parks and Gardens Register
·
Surrey County Council Structure Plan 1994
·
Wayleaves
·
Easements
·
Consultation with Norbury Park Consultative Group
·
Surrey County Council Bye-Laws under Sections 12 and 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906
·
Countryside Stewardship agreement
·
Woodland Grant Scheme agreement
·
Rights of Way
·
Fishing lease on River Mole
4.4.2
Legal constraints:
·
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: 'Operations likely to damage the special interest'
·
Regulation 19 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (known as the Habitats Regulations): 'Operations likely to Damage the special interest'
·
Occupiers Liability Act 1957
·
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
·
Surrey County Council Act 1931 and subsequent local government legislation.
·
Rights of Way
NB The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 translate the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) into UK Law.
4.4.3
Physical considerations/constraints
Much of the southern part of the estate (Druid's Grove) is on a fairly steep incline, so use of machinery required for management operations will be restricted.
4.5 Available resources
Provision for funding is currently provided by Surrey County Council, the Countryside Stewardship scheme, earnings from woodland work and the Woodland Grant Scheme. Most of the work proposed in the management plan should be achievable under these resources. However, other areas of resources including sponsorship by local companies, donations by individuals and local groups and applications for Heritage Lottery grants should be pursued. Although income is generated from a number of other sources, including farm and other tenancies, events and fishing licences, this income goes into central funds and therefore is not directly available for financing work covered in this management plan other than towards staff costs.
4.6 Summary of factors which influence or may influence the features
The owners objective is to maintain and enhance the quality of landscape and historic park features.
Negative factors
Visitor pressure
Some flytipping but not a serious problem
Invasive scrub/succession
Invasive natural regeneration
Intensive farming regimes
Development/traffic
The objective is to maintain and enhance the provision of access
Negative factors
Visitor pressure
Negative factors
Trampling of vegetation
Erosion of paths
Disturbance of wildlife
The objectives are to maintain the semi-natural woodland and its associated communities
Negative factors
Economic constraints
Invasive natural regeneration
Visitor pressure
The objectives are to maintain open chalk grassland and its associated communities
Negative factors
Invasive scrub/succession
Visitor pressure
Trampling of vegetation
The objectives are to maintain the River Mole and its associated habitats and features
Negative factors
Visitor pressure
Invasive species
Changes to local hydrology