Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

Management Plan document (Appendix 3) to be circulated separately, with the agenda introduction to follow.

Members noted that a new Management Plan was required to guide the future management of Epping Forest, following the expiry of the previous plan in 2010. The inherent value of engaging with interested parties during the early stages of the plan’s development had been recognised in previous reports.

Members noted that a comprehensive consultation would take place in the summer of 2015 to capture the thoughts, views and ideas of community groups, members of the public and stakeholders on the management issues faced by the Conservators. This consultation would give the Conservators a greater understanding of the management priorities for the Forest over the next 10 year period from the perspective of our stakeholders and visitors.

Members agreed that the introduction to the document must explain the layout of the consultation plan to ensure respondents understood how to navigate their way around the 209 page document.

The Committee expressed their gratitude to the Epping Forest Management Plan Steering Group and the Officers involved with producing the consultation document.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the text for public consultation as per the Epping Forest draft Management Plan Consultation Phase 1 document and the timetable for consultation.