Druitt Gardens another opinion.

Below I have copied a message sent to my blog following a piece I wrote about Druitt Gardens. Let me say from the onset that I do understand why we are so fortunate to have these gardens so close to our town centre and why we (that is everyone in Christchurch not just a small minority) as custodians of this haven should understand our responsibilities in terms of the areas maintenance and care. The problem is that without management this garden was fast degenerating into an overgrown no go area disappearing under a canopy of untended foliage and dense triffid bramble which was unattractive to man and beast. By incorporating it into the safe route to school project CBC with the help of funding from Sustrans CBC are doing no more than returning it to the splendid facility it was designed for. that is a haven for wild life and a place for recreation and relaxation close to our town centre. The message is as follows:-

'Councillor Nottage appears not to understand that 'redundant trees and undergrowth' are just what is required to provide a 'haven for wildlife' and that 'swathes of grassland' are not what is required. It is just this type of ill-informed opinion which has caused councillors and council officers to set aside the agreed and consulted management plan for the Gardens and follow their own whims. Miss Charlotte Druitt, our benefactor, who wanted the Gardens to be a bird sanctuary, will be spinning in her grave!'

I respect this persons opinion but cannot see why by returning the gardens to a natural state aligned to how they were initially envisaged would send our benefactor spinning in her grave. My own personal view is that she would be delighted that this Council had the common sense to manage the gardens back to their original splendour by applying some tender loving care. And how nice to see the gardens linked to our High Street enabling more residents and visitors to see the beauty of the parkland.