The Joint Committee will receive an update report on the Park’s activities.

a)    The Mount Edgcumbe Country Park (MECP) was a Grade 1 listed landscape of 865 acres, stretching in a narrow coastal strip towards Whitsand Bay. The park contained 17km of coastal strip, 7.5 acres of formal gardens, and 5 ancient monuments, attracting around 250,000 visitors per year, including 8,000 school children. Funding through the National Marine Park Horizons project would allow an updated survey of visitor numbers to be conducted, offering a valuable insight into public engagement with the park;

b)    There had been a Deer Park at Mt Edgcumbe since 1515 however, this had fallen into disrepair over the years. Three quarters of the new deer fencing had now been installed, as well as gates to control deer movements in and out of the park. The fencing was on track to be completed ahead of schedule, due to the assistance of Naval recruits from HMS Raleigh. A deer management plan would be included in the overall Mount Edgcumbe County Park Development Plan, due for finalisation in 2024;

c)    The MECP had maintained a partnership with the Arts University of Plymouth for a number of years, enabling year 2 students to design and install their artwork in a public space. This year, the park had received 15 works of art, each depicting individual interpretations of Mount Edgcumbe and its history;

d)    The MECP employed 3 full time gardeners to maintain 7.5 acres of formal gardens, supplemented by volunteers. While it had been a struggle to recruit and maintain volunteer numbers over the pandemic, this now showed signs of recovery;

e)    Heritage Lottery Funding had been secured for beekeeping at the park, with the ambition of reintroducing the native Cornish ‘Black Bee’ as the dominant species on the peninsula. The Beekeeping volunteer group was expanding, and showed promising signs, as well as enabling the park to benefit from local honey sales;

f)     While a fire at the park last year had caused significant damage to the meadow near the house, it had now been replanted with wildflowers, offering significant benefits for biodiversity enhancement as well as the ‘Black Bee’ project. The work of MECP staff during the emergency to both protect the public and control the fire was commended. Options were being evaluated for future fire precautions, which included reinitialising the 19^th century watering system across the park to improve resistance to climate change; 

g)    Approximately £1 million had been secured through the National Marine Park Horizons project to restore the MECP Garden Battery. This funding would enable renovation works so that the battery could be reopened to the public, and incorporate a space that told the historic story of Mount Edgcumbe;

h)    2022-23 marked the third year of the new house tour system, which had demonstrated significant benefits for visitor satisfaction, as well as viability. It was also the 3^rd year of the Blitz display, and options were being explored for its replacement in 2 years time. A new display on Ginger Beer had been installed in the house, which the Committee would later view as part of the Annual Inspection;

i)     The 4 day archaeology camp would be returning this year, in one week, and the shop had recently undergone a re-design, incorporating many new products;

j)     There had been more school tours than usual this year however, it was recognised that transport to the park remained a significant barrier for many schools. The MECP management had contributed and assisted towards transport for schools where appropriate, as it was recognised that the park was an invaluable learning and adventure opportunity for many young people.

k)    The existing wooden children’s play park feature had regrettably rotten however, with financial assistance from the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe, a new play park feature would be installed by 31^st July 2023. The new design would be made from a more durable and maintainable material;

l)     The MECP had received positive feedback, having hosted Triathlon 23, as part of the Tour of British Triathlon Association. Over 288 competitors had attended this year, including a separate children’s and adults race. There were ambitions to grow this event in future, with many remarking on the challenging nature of the course the park offered; 

m)  The parks Alpacas had a successful year, despite working at half capacity to allow the animals to integrate into the park. This project provided local employment, as well as an income source, and enjoyment by the public;

n)    The 2022-23 year had been a bumper year for events at MECP, with the ambition of continuing this next year. While the park aimed to grow events each year, boosting community engagement, it was recognised that events scheduling was now almost at capacity;

o)    The Turret Rooms within the house had been recently renovated to ensure their water integrity, and were now rented as a photography studio, and author’s studio;

p)    The park had, and expected to encounter continuing pressures from Ash Die Back, and storms. It was recognised that the wedding marquee was at the end of its operational life, and options were being explored for its replacement. Aging staff and recruitment challenges had also increased reliance on Pertemps staff, however efforts were being undertaken to boost volunteer and ranger training opportunities.

In response to questions from the committee, it was reported that-

q)    While historically, gardener and ranger employments were fiercely competitive, it was now challenging to attract suitable candidates. This had been compounded by the restrictions on employment / travel instigated after Brexit. The park was exploring voluntary experiences and alternative labour sources, including work experience, work placements, armed forces rehabilitation, and inspiring future generations through various experience days and programmes;

r)    The park had installed a new led lighting system as part as its transition towards Net 0, which had relived significant pressures during the energy crisis, and remained committed to the Net 0 policies of both Plymouth and Cornwall councils. A zero tolerance policy had been introduced for single use plastics across the park, and options were being investigated to explore the replacement of the existing boiler heating system;

s)     Regrettably, the Cliff Path had been closed to the public due to considerable subsidence, and health and safety concerns however, the Chamelia trail would be repaired net year;

t)     While the park had been lucky to escape Ash Die back for several years, it was estimated to cost the park between £8-10 thousand per year. Only 2-3% of trees were immune, and this pressure was recorded on Plymouth’s Risk Register.

The Joint Committee agreed-

1.    To request to be provided with a list of Schools that engaged with the park, and those restricted by transport barriers;

2.    To note the report.