Agenda item

Superintendent of Hampstead Heath to be heard.

The Superintendent provided an update on issues affecting Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park.

St Jude’s Storm

He noted that the St Jude’s Storm on 28 October had affected around 100 trees in Highgate Wood, particularly oaks. To deal with the damage it had been necessary to divert resources away from Hampstead Heath, and it was anticipated that works would take three to four weeks.

In response to a question from a member, the Superintendent agreed to consider removing some of the damaged oaks at Highgate Wood in order to open up areas of the wood to encourage habitat diversity. Furthermore, the Superintendent agreed with a comment by the Chairman that the oaks were in good health and that this was likely due to lower levels of caterpillar infestations.

The Chairman suggested that the management of Highgate Wood’s oaks be the subject of a future committee report.

Highgate Wood Conservation Management Plan

He noted that a draft summary document had recently been submitted to the Highgate Wood Joint Consultative Committee and that officers were awaiting comments upon its layout and structure. He added that an updated version of the document would be submitted to a future meeting of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.

Queen’s Park Day

He noted that the Queen’s Park Day on 15 September had attracted 7,000 visitors. This was half the usual number due to inclement weather on the day. He added that, within the wider park, works had begun on restoring the Quiet Garden.