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Even the most successful Pocket Park needs support.
Northamptonshire County Council has a dedicated Pocket Parks Officer. This officer gives advice and assists with the formation of the committee and the early consultation work. In particular, the officer attends the public meeting explaining the Pocket Parks Scheme, the level of commitment that will be required of volunteers and the benefits a Pocket Park will bring to a community.
Once the Pocket Park is established, the officer keeps in regular contact with the management group and is often the first port of call for queries. She also provides advice and support in the form of the 'Pocketeer', a twice-yearly networking magazine, and by organising scheme-related open days and some training events.
The Wildlife Trust undertakes a wildlife survey at each new Pocket Park which is used to to write an appropriate management plan for the site. This plan ensures the Pocket Parks have a sound ecological base to build upon, provides direction for the management committee to make decisions and is a useful tool when trying to obtain grant aid.
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