Whilst the previous sections have outlined the 'concept' of the scheme, a discussion of practical issues that would arise in realising the plan is clearly expedient, and this section aims to cover these, at least in a preliminary way.

Funding

It is envisaged that local artists and craftsmen could be prevailed upon to advise and/or provide many of the specialist skills required for the more 'monumental' features, and indeed several have already been approached with this object in mind. Donations of time and effort by local people in this way could significantly augment fund-raising activities.

It will be noted that several of the features planned are well-suited to sponsorship by businesses, groups and even individuals. Through my own business ('Compostmentis'), substantial donations of tree-planting materials (mulch &fertiliser) would be available.

The site itself could be used as a venue for fund-raising events, for example as a setting for open-air theatre performances or as a start/finish point for sponsored walks.

Timescale

Remaining features could be added as the availability of skills, labour and funds allow, for example carvings on the 'Rock of Ages' could be added over a number of years by sponsors wishing to commemorate events of note. It is fully anticipated that the scheme would be open-ended inasmuch as the site lends itself to further development in the future e.g. the addition of benches, or incorporation of the area around the paddling pool adjacent to 'Hillside', etc.

Car Parking

It should be borne in mind that car parking is permitted on both sides of Wells Road, adjacent to West View Park, and that the imminent closure of B&ICC and probable removal of adult education facilities elsewhere will relieve parking pressure in this area. Establishment of a definitive area for coach parking, an issue which is also under active consideration, would further reduce use of the West View Park site.

National transport policy is increasingly orientated against the provision of car parking as a necessity in developments of this nature, and many bodies now discourage vehicle parking in areas of high recreational, environmental or landscape value. For example, North Norfolk District Council are pursuing a policy in which any creation of new parking spaces must occur away from the coastline and be accompanied by the elimination of the same number of existing parking spaces on the coast.

Trafftc management at the proposed 'Darwin Gardens' could well be modelled on that of Prior Park in Bath, which bears many similarities in respect of its recreational value, its location relative to the town (or in the latter case, city) centre, and its accessibility by public transport. The National Trust's recent opening of the latter property is subject to prohibition of vehicle access (except for disabled provision), and is considered by many to be a pioneering example of environmentally-friendly recreational pro vision. To adopt such a policy could be considered an appropriate measure to usher in the New Millennium.

Maintenance

Although this may also be regarded as a contentious issue, a precedent exists in the schemes undertaken by volunteers with Bradford Council's Countryside Management, e.g. the restoration of the shelter above the paddling pool off Wells Road.

As with any scheme of this nature, regard must also be given to the possibility of damage or deterioration due to the activities of vandals. It is to be expected that this would be taken into account in the detailed design and construction of any of the proposed features mentioned above. Apart from the plantings (where the use of tree guards is recommended), it is intended that the constructed features would use predominantly rugged materials such as stone and metal, to maxim ise resistance to dislodgement or defacement, as well as to show good durability to the weather.

In the latter context it may be remarked that the famous 'cup-and-ring' markings on the rocks of the adjacent Rombalds Moor are still discernible after several millennia, auguring that features such as the Rock of Ages could have an enduring impact well into the next one!

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