Many thanks, Dave, that looks interesting and I'll pass on the information.
I passed on everyone's suggestions for improvements and for goat-proof plants, which were all much appreciated. The Parks Department of CCBC is very happy to support the Friends in grant applications for capital for projects but apparently the big problem is a lack of staff for routine maintenance. There is now a bed adoption scheme in place but plantings have to be in accordance with the Management Plan for the gardens (important to avoid invasive plants, for instance).
The Friends of Happy Valley made a good start at the first working party, clearing scrub, sycamores, etc from one of the approaches to the Valley but there is still a lot to do. There will therefore be another:
Friends of Happy Valley Working Party
Monday 3 September
Meet at Headlands Hotel at 10.30 am
Everybody welcome.