The Botanical Garden of Scarborough Development Project Proposal

The Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (TRWRP) under The Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development (DFSNRESD), Tobago House of Assembly, is preparing a project proposal as it pertains to the development of the Botanical Garden of Scarborough. This proposed project seeks to be sustainable and integrated.

Background

The Botanical Garden of Scarborough comprises approximately 7 hectares (17 acres) in size and is home to many of Tobago’s flora and fauna.  The garden was founded very late in the 19th century/1899 on a former sugar plantation, with views of the town and what is now called Rockley Bay. At that time, the was an emphasis on trade in agriculture and research trials in potential crops such as citrus and mangoes. 

At the garden, visitors can see water lilies (Nymphaea spp) pollinated by stingless bees, Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), Baobab (Adansonia digitata), Silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra), a huge Saman tree (Samanea saman) with spreading branches, an allée of stately palms, and other indigenous and non-native plants. At least fifty-six species of birds have been observed and recorded at the garden.

View of Scarborough Library from the Botanical Gardens

The mandate of the Committee 

Members of the Committee will:

1. Draft the recommendations for the General Manager of the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (TRWRP) 

2. Draft the T.O.R. for the project and present a proposal to the Ministry of Planning and Urban Development with the financial breakdown attached of the proposed project of the Botanical Gardens.

3. Develop the proposal for the development of the Botanical Gardens. 

4. Prepare and submit a survey of the Botanical Gardens.

 

The Lead consultant also gathered that the Committee will set out a TOR for such position. And as part of the development of the overall plans for the area, members of the Committee will be expected to assist where possible. 

Project Justification

• Previous members of the Friends of the Botanical Garden (defunct), past cruise ship visitors, and other stakeholders have informed us that the garden is in dire need of major upgrades. Such upgrades will improve the usability and ambience of the space. Hence, there is an opportunity to employ strategies that will contribute to meeting some of the: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030; Strategic Goals or Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), 2030; and Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), also part of the CBD.

• Likewise, several policies e.g. the National Protected Areas Policy, 2011, and the National Climate Change Policy, 2011. Some laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Notational Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01) also speak to the improved management of the Botanical Garden. 

• Hereunder is a list of some of the income earning activities proposed by some stakeholders. Apart from this list, young persons can be involved in programmes offered by the garden to build entrepreneurial skills. 

• One envisages there will be job opportunities for tour guides trained for providing services at the garden, maintenance operators, tea and gift shop operators as well as others.

• The new look of the Botanical Garden will encourage positive social interaction through the introduction of activities that can be part of educational programmes as well as the design of spaces that could be used for entertainment, exercise and group activities.  

• Environmental protection will be an important focus in creating a sustainable space at the Botanical Garden of Scarborough. Some stakeholders have recommended health and safety checks of the older existing trees.  Where necessary, trees may have to be removed but not before propagation measures are undertaken so that important germplasm can be maintained. As part of environmental protection of the site, persons via comments made in Visitors’ Books of the garden have recommended storm water management and that wise use of the stream be a major focus.  Others have suggested putting in detention ponds, retention ponds, semi-permeable materials (for walkways, and pathways), rainwater harvesting can be explored and Free Wi-Fi should be available to all users.

Existing Topography

The terrain can be described as a rolling topography which allows for the creation of “niche” spaces that will allow for the creation of outdoor rooms and pathways with different themes.

Existing Site Features

• Mango orchard 
• Lily in concrete ponds 
• One small existing gazebo
• The base of a burnt larger gazebo
• The fence that in the process of decay
• Small structures that are no longer in use (An apiary, aviary, storehouse and administrative building) 
• Some interesting trees
• Concrete steps and walkways with crack and not easily accessible for all users
• Bridge over paved canal
• Concrete and wooden benches in poor condition
• Sculpted vegetative bed

Proposed Conceptual Design Ideas

The Botanical Garden of Scarborough will be recognised for the botanical collection of plants that it possesses, but it will be further enhanced in terms of current-day usage as the enhanced biodiversity of the area will support new activities. The following measures are to be explored for the future development of the gardens.

1. The garden will provide accessibility (barrier-free access) wherever possible through the construction of walkways and pathways that would link the activity spaces and use areas that are developed.  Signage will be provided to create a sense of place as the user moves throughout the garden. 

2. Sustainable measures will be included throughout the project through material choices, onsite stormwater management, recycling areas and other greening measures. Detention and Retention water features will be part of the water management process. 

3. Water features will be strategically placed and designed to fit naturally into the environment and will be the home of the lilies and other aquatic plants, and habitats for some birds 

4. Seating areas and site furniture will be provided at different locations and take different forms throughout the garden.  

5. Areas will be provided for passive and active recreation. A space will be provided that can be rented out for events and small functions.  

6. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers will be planted to encourage birds, butterflies and other creatures.  Herb plots will be designed for the space and labelled to provide culinary and health information.  Trees would also be labelled to provide information.  QR codes could be included on the labels. These will provide more in-depth scientific information about the plants. Any flora chosen to enhance the site will be low maintenance once established

7. The existing orchard should be maintained, but reduced in size (perhaps keep one of each variety). The orchards will add to the biodiversity of the area

8. A conservatory could be built to house plants like orchids, anthuriums and others, but some prefer that these plants be outside of the conservatory.

9. Public facilities will be provided

10. Solar lighting and energy-efficient lighting will be utilized in developing the lighting plans for the area

11. An area will be provided where children and young persons can learn skills through planting a vegetable or herb garden.  Tools and seeds and all that is needed should be stored on site. Visitors to the site could also get involved for a small fee.  

12. Areas for recycling will be provided at selected areas

13. The periphery fencing is in a state of deterioration and would need to be replaced. The entire space needs to be upgraded to provide barrier-free access wherever possible

14. The entrance design should herald a welcome into the garden with the use of an entry wall, signage and landscaping. The main entrance will be the one that faces the harbour. 

15. A site office that provides information for visitors may be included as part of the gift and tea shop area.  These must be located in an area that is easily accessible to all users. 

Areas to be prioritized in Year 1:

1. Completion of Landscape Architecture Masterplan

2. Construction Details

3. Accessibility (Installation of Pathways)

4. Check trees for viability so that germplasm or offspring can be set in a nursery area before the older diseased plant is removed

5. Reroute the flowing water to service the ponds.

6. Create two ponds and redirect the overflow to provide water to water-loving plants and possibly use the same water to recreate the original wetlands on the South of the site.

7. Source plants.

8. Commence initial planting of fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

9. Plant many native types of grass herbs and important “weeds and”, scarify the existing lawns where necessary

10. Construction of Recreational area

11. Tree identification and labelling 

12. Entrance design (Walls, Signage, Lighting, Landscaping)

13. Periphery fencing

Stakeholders Recommendations

• The redesign of all the four entrances into the gardens should be a top priority

• There was a suggestion to create an area for recreation.  One recommended area is the area by the burnt-out building on the eastern side of the property

• The fence must be replaced as it is in a state of disrepair

• Water is a critical aspect of the garden and must be maintained

• The orchards should be reduced

• A horticultural show should be part of an annual undertaking that is an income-generating product.  An account should be set up for this purpose as well as people interested in contributing to any project that can be undertaken in the gardens

Besides the above-mentioned features, stakeholder comments/suggestions are welcomed on:  

• Designing the four gates, especially the South Gate
• Downsizing the orchards
• Removal/renovating buildings and other structures to generate more income as the potential of activities that can be pursued within the rich biodiversity of the gardens is realised

Income Earning Opportunities

The Botanical garden will provide income earning opportunities that will provide the means for upkeep and maintenance of all areas in the garden.

1. Photo-taking focal areas

2. Informational Booklets

3. Gift Shop

4. Bird viewing 

5. Entertainment opportunities – cultural and other performances, and more

6. Weddings

7. Tea & snack Shop

8. Educational tours

9. Herbs, ornamentals and other plant sales

10. Compost sales

11. Garden tours
    

Tasks to guide the project development

1. Information gathering that would include images of the site, site plans, contour maps, historical data, survey data

2. Site Analysis (Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment) will involve the assessment of existing landscape features and the physical character of the land. 

3. Site concept development—--a holistic approach where all the areas are designed  to accommodate a large range of different habitats which in turn will maximise the potential biodiversity of the Gardens

4. Masterplan development

5. Construction details

6. Approvals

7. Implementation

The Project Committee considers your input to be valuable and is asking for your general comments and suggestions on this issue. Specifically, we seek your suggestions as to what can be included (activities, outputs) in the proposal. As far as possible, please clarify whether suggestions are short, or medium, or long term in nature.

Unfortunately, we don't have much time in which to submit this proposal (we aim to prepare and submit by the end of August), therefore, you are asked to give your comments by the evening of Tuesday 16, August 2022. 

Please leave your comments below. Alternatively, you may respond via Email: trim20032@gmail.com, or if preferred, you may also Call or WhatsApp 315-9191 (Mr Trim) to make your contribution on this issue.