Coombe Abbey Park Management Plan 2024 - 2028

9.0 Aims and objectives

9.1 Management aims and objectives

The following management aims identify how the management vision for Coombe Abbey Park will be met. The aims unite Coventry City Council’s corporate policies with the criteria set out by Green Flag, and which are recognised as an up-to-date agenda for public open space management.

MA1

Ensure that Coombe Abbey Park is accessible and welcoming to all members of the public
Objectives	Action
MO1 Allow all users to interpret site to their own desired level	Rebrand and Review and update maps, plans & leaflets, website Refurbish Discovery Centre Keep entry signage on car park current
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Carry out regular user surveys Collate and analyse comments Form ‘Friends of Coombe’ Continue and extend collection of Biodiversity data Contribute to city-wide Parks Commercialisation Strategy
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Attend professional membership organisations Benchmark Encourage and facilitate staff PDP

MA2

Provide a safe environment for all users and staff
Objectives	Action
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Carry out regular user surveys Collate and analyse comments Form ‘Friends of Coombe’ Continue and extend collection of Biodiversity data Contribute to city-wide Parks Commercialisation Strategy
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Attend professional membership organisations Benchmark Encourage and facilitate staff PDP Ensure site is working in line with current policy

MA3

Maintain the highest standards of horticulture, cleanliness, grounds and building maintenance
Objectives	Action
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Attend professional membership organisations Benchmark
MO4 Continue and develop sustainable management methods	Reduce ‘first use’ only resources used to run Coombe Abbey Park Reduce use of chemical solutions to issues Recycling waste on site from 2020 – installation of new bins on site

MA4

Ensure that management operations reduce the impact on the environment or operate to the highest environment standards that are practicable
Objectives	Action
MO4 Continue and develop sustainable management methods	Reduce ‘first use’ only resources used to run Coombe Abbey Park Reduce use of chemical solutions to issues Encourage recycling of waste materials – visitors and staff Recycling waste on site from 2020 – installation of new bins on site

MA5

Protect and enhance the built heritage of Coombe Abbey Park
Objectives	Action
MO1 Allow all users to interpret the site to their own desired level	Review and update maps, plans and leaflets – updated heritage trail Refurbish Discovery centre Keep entry signage on car park current
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Undertake meetings with Historic England Work with Arboriculture Team Develop links with Hotel in line with Commercial Strategy and Partnership working Work with newly established Friends of Group to establish priorities
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Update existing and develop new interpretation Installation of new signage in formal gardens and Duck Decoy as part of whole site rebranding project

MA6

Protect and enhance the natural and ecological heritage of Coombe Abbey Park and its place in the wider Warwickshire context
Objectives	Action
MO1 Allow all users to interpret the site to their own desired level	Meet with Natural England Work to agreed HLS (High Level Stewardship) Agreement Work with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on Dunsmore Living Landscape Project
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Work with newly established Friends of Group to establish priorities Carry out regular user surveys Collate and analyse comments Continue and extend collection of biodiversity data Investigate cormorant control Create links with new CCC Ecology Officer
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Meet with Natural England Work to agreed HLS Agreement Work with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on Dunsmore Living Landscape Project Attend Warks Recorders Annual Meeting
MO4 Continue and develop sustainable management methods	Meet with Natural England Work to agreed HLS (High Level Stewardship) Agreement Work with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on Dunsmore Living Landscape Project

MA7

Encourage community involvement in Coombe Abbey Park through regular communication, consultation, events, and management activities
Objectives	Action
MO1 Allow all users to interpret the site to their own desired level	Form Friends of Coombe Abbey Park group
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Initial data gathering and feedback meetings Continue User Surveys and informal feedback sweeps of Social Media Management Plan Consultation Invite Friends of reps to Coventry Greenspace and Heritage Forum Meetings
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Benchmarking visits Liaise with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Manage social media interaction Benchmarking of events and activities

MA8

Provide a flexible, proactive and high quality management service.
Objectives	Action
MO1 Allow all users to interpret the site to their own desired level	Incorporate ‘Friends of’ comments/actions into Management Plan
MO2 Better understand baseline data that informs how Coombe Abbey Park should be managed	Continue user surveys and informal feedback sweeps of social media
MO3 Be aware of current best practice	Benchmarking visits Attend West Midlands Park Forum

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