Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received the 2013 Tree Management Update from the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.  The Superintendent informed the Committee that work continued on the Heath to monitor the threat level of tree disease to the Heath’s 20,000 trees.  The Superintendent also noted the hard work of the Arborist Team and mentioned succession issues  within the team.

The Director of the Built Environment also informed the Committee that the design and location of the Ponds Project was heavily influenced by the impact the project would have on the trees in the area.  The Director noted that one dam had been moved from its originally planned location to avoid Category A trees.

A Member asked for further clarification on succession issues and for confirmation that the occupational health of the Arborist Team continued to be supported. The Superintendent responded by confirming that the physical fitness of all the Heath’s climbers was regularly monitored. The Superintendent noted that the Arborists had worked together effectively over the winter. This had increased their capacity to deal with storm damaged trees as well as improving cross skilling and knowledge sharing.  Iit had been proposed that an Apprentice Arborist join the Tree Management Team.  The Chairman asked for this to be investigated further and  took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the Hampstead Heath Arborists particularly during the recent severe weather.

A Member asked whether or not physiotherapy was provided for the Arborists.  The Director of Open Spaces replied that physiotherapy had been provided on a trial basis to raise awareness of the benefits for staff.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the information in the 2013 Tree Management Update.