Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of the Epping Forest on the Division’s activities across May and June 2020. The Director of Open Spaces explained that COVID-19 remained the biggest issue effecting the management of Epping Forest with an estimated 122% increase in visitor numbers. In addition, the Director of Open Spaces provided a summary of the activities which were returning to Epping Forest with the lifting of some lockdown restrictions including catering facilities, lake boating and some golf courses.

The Committee discussed the issue of rough sleepers within the Epping Forest. It was noted that the Policy Chair was in discussions with the Mayor of London regarding possible policies for reducing rough sleeping across London and, therefore, should be kept informed of the issues relating to rough sleeping in Epping Forest.

Replying Member’s question, the Director of Open Spaces explained that fly tipping instances in the Forest during the period were considerably in excess of pre-COVID-19 trends, noting that it was a significant long-term issue. The Chairman commented that this was a matter which he and the Chairman of the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee were keen to tackle using a corporate approach across all the City of London Corporation managed open spaces. Following a request from the Deputy Chairman the Director of Open Spaces confirmed that the contacting of local Members of Parliament, to highlight the costs of fly tipping to the management of the open spaces, would be considered accordingly.

The Director of Open Spaces highlighted a petition from residents local to the Forest calling on the City of London Corporation to do more to prevent anti-social behaviour. Further to this it was noted that the City of London Corporation would be exploring options for increased engagement with schemes to mitigate issues caused by increased social gatherings in public open spaces. The Chairman commented that is was important to gauge the efficacy of these schemes before committing City of London Corporation funds. Furthermore, it was suggested that these costs be incorporated into any correspondence with local Members of Parliament.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.