June 2019
June 2019
We're fortunate to have a very green neighbourhood but it's not as good as it could be for wildlife and our pockets so the JTT hope they can help.
We're fortunate to have a very green neighbourhood but it's not as good as it could be for wildlife and our pockets so the JTT hope they can help.
This time last year the landscape looked very different as the heatwave and drought was starting to take hold.
This time last year the landscape looked very different as the heatwave and drought was starting to take hold.
Green Spaces
Green Spaces
We've explained in previous articles why housing estate developers like grass lawns but it's the residents who ultimately foot the bill for its upkeep.
We've explained in previous articles why housing estate developers like grass lawns but it's the residents who ultimately foot the bill for its upkeep.
Grass lawns are perhaps the most expensive long term landscaping option and within only a few weeks its highly evident if it's not being maintained.
Grass lawns are perhaps the most expensive long term landscaping option and within only a few weeks its highly evident if it's not being maintained.
It was noted in the adjudicators report from the JTT's 1st year of entry in 2017 where a comment emphasised that we cut too much of the public greens too often. It is the traditional thing to do and has been for the past century because it looks 'nice'.
It was noted in the adjudicators report from the JTT's 1st year of entry in 2017 where a comment emphasised that we cut too much of the public greens too often. It is the traditional thing to do and has been for the past century because it looks 'nice'.
The amount of public green spaces has increased since this map from 2017
We don't need to cut so much since there's more here especially since residents are spending a fortune cutting more than 20 football pitches worth and we don't play sports on it nor graze sheep or cattle.
We don't need to cut so much since there's more here especially since residents are spending a fortune cutting more than 20 football pitches worth and we don't play sports on it nor graze sheep or cattle.
Remember the long grass last year at the Elm section of Johnstown Wood? It seemed like a likely spot to try out a golf course style cutting plan last year when the maintenance cost vs contributors seemed unviable.
Remember the long grass last year at the Elm section of Johnstown Wood? It seemed like a likely spot to try out a golf course style cutting plan last year when the maintenance cost vs contributors seemed unviable.
It looks like this year they have it under control but the JTT are still seeking estates willing to give it a try. Long grass is attractive too when the edges are maintained and even to allow the clover to grow for 6 weeks and flower will provide for insects and wildlife.
It looks like this year they have it under control but the JTT are still seeking estates willing to give it a try. Long grass is attractive too when the edges are maintained and even to allow the clover to grow for 6 weeks and flower will provide for insects and wildlife.
Trees
Trees
Pruning
Pruning
An exercise was carried out to remove branches obstructing pedestrians along footpaths. This cleared a full truck load of branches but with so many trees the Autumn/ Winter pruning will need to be repeated this year but it's time consuming and slow progress so more volunteers are needed.
An exercise was carried out to remove branches obstructing pedestrians along footpaths. This cleared a full truck load of branches but with so many trees the Autumn/ Winter pruning will need to be repeated this year but it's time consuming and slow progress so more volunteers are needed.
New Trees
New Trees
A few new trees have been planted in green spaces and the JTT advocate plant a tree anywhere it's suitable. Be careful what species you select since some belong in a forest.
A few new trees have been planted in green spaces and the JTT advocate plant a tree anywhere it's suitable. Be careful what species you select since some belong in a forest.
Shrubs were planted to deter teenagers jumping over the wall between neighbouring Dunville Estate. The JTT believe that the planting can be further enhanced and developed into something really special and practical.
Shrubs were planted to deter teenagers jumping over the wall between neighbouring Dunville Estate. The JTT believe that the planting can be further enhanced and developed into something really special and practical.
Tree line destruction
Tree line destruction
Everyone was disappointed with the removal of trees and shrubs along Metges Rd. A cycle and footpath is a valuable feature but it has ruined the avenue effect and can never be replaced.
Everyone was disappointed with the removal of trees and shrubs along Metges Rd. A cycle and footpath is a valuable feature but it has ruined the avenue effect and can never be replaced.
A suggestion has been made, and subject to how the wildflower planting develops at the Petrol Station, the replacement of the grass verge with a very long wildflower bed could be a great feature.
A suggestion has been made, and subject to how the wildflower planting develops at the Petrol Station, the replacement of the grass verge with a very long wildflower bed could be a great feature.
The next application for any development of the site next to Bailis Village is obviously of great concern since it will undoubtedly destroy the west side of Metges Rd. The JTT have their eyes out for any such plans.
The next application for any development of the site next to Bailis Village is obviously of great concern since it will undoubtedly destroy the west side of Metges Rd. The JTT have their eyes out for any such plans.
Troubled Spot
Troubled Spot
The alleyway connecting Spire View estate with Old Johnstown Village is a magnet for antisocial behaviour. The residents want the youth gatherings to stop due to noise, littering, drunken behaviour and now graffiti.
The alleyway connecting Spire View estate with Old Johnstown Village is a magnet for antisocial behaviour. The residents want the youth gatherings to stop due to noise, littering, drunken behaviour and now graffiti.
To encourage the youths to find a more appropriate location the secluded grassy lawn area is proposed to become a foraging spot by planting a very large section with thorny fruiting bushes such as blackberry, raspberry and others to provide a barrier that offers something positive and beneficial. The existing turf could be offered to residents to reuse in garden lawns.
To encourage the youths to find a more appropriate location the secluded grassy lawn area is proposed to become a foraging spot by planting a very large section with thorny fruiting bushes such as blackberry, raspberry and others to provide a barrier that offers something positive and beneficial. The existing turf could be offered to residents to reuse in garden lawns.
The area in the image centre has steps connecting to Spireview Estate.
Dunville School Roundabout
Dunville School Roundabout
The JTT have engaged with the two schools to create a feature involving the students in the design and planting.
The JTT have engaged with the two schools to create a feature involving the students in the design and planting.
We hope to see several Transition Year Students head up the project and transform the dull lawn into something spectacular.
We hope to see several Transition Year Students head up the project and transform the dull lawn into something spectacular.
Johnstown Roundabout
Johnstown Roundabout
Planting
Planting
The Council received sponsorship from a local estate agent to cover the maintenance costs of the central lawn and hedge in exchange for 4 advertising plaques. We will be asking the sponsor to fund some seasonal planting to add some colour around its perimeter lawn. This will also stop the need for the lawn edge to be sprayed with weed killer. If successful the planting will be carried out in Autumn.
The Council received sponsorship from a local estate agent to cover the maintenance costs of the central lawn and hedge in exchange for 4 advertising plaques. We will be asking the sponsor to fund some seasonal planting to add some colour around its perimeter lawn. This will also stop the need for the lawn edge to be sprayed with weed killer. If successful the planting will be carried out in Autumn.
Lighting Feature
Lighting Feature
Sponsored by the local Taylors Walking Group the JTT adorned the central hedge with low energy LED string lighting to add a ‘sparkle to Johnstown’. These were very successful and a subtle lighting feature but the lights were not bright enough to form a significant feature on the tree itself but the JTT are looking for a sponsor together with brighter lights and a larger rechargeable power supply.
Sponsored by the local Taylors Walking Group the JTT adorned the central hedge with low energy LED string lighting to add a ‘sparkle to Johnstown’. These were very successful and a subtle lighting feature but the lights were not bright enough to form a significant feature on the tree itself but the JTT are looking for a sponsor together with brighter lights and a larger rechargeable power supply.
Perimeter
Perimeter
The JTT are requesting for the council to replace the perimeter paver blocks which are being crushed by the frequent heavy goods vehicles. The road surface is now showing potholes which are again due to the large vehicles.
The JTT are requesting for the council to replace the perimeter paver blocks which are being crushed by the frequent heavy goods vehicles. The road surface is now showing potholes which are again due to the large vehicles.
Contractors are wary of the busy flow of vehicles and have not yet committed to providing a quote for cleaning the blockwork without a road closure.
Contractors are wary of the busy flow of vehicles and have not yet committed to providing a quote for cleaning the blockwork without a road closure.
Contact
Contact
June 2019 Articles
June 2019 Articles
