Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent, Epping Forest.

The Committee received an update from the Superintendent of Epping Forest regarding work and activity taking place in the Forest. The Committee was informed that January and February 2016 saw 1026.5 and 967.5 volunteer hours recorded across the Forest.

Members were informed that the figures for the rough sleepers for the first two months in 2016 were 17, compared to 4 for a similar period in 2017, an increase of over 400%, challenging the progressive falls recorded in 2015. The increased numbers possibly reflected the unusually mild temperatures; increases in homelessness recorded by London’s homeless link and increases in rough sleeper identification through the novel use of Thermal Imaging Devices.

Members noted that a total of 23 licences were issued during the two months being

reported, which yielded an income of £2,496.50 plus VAT. 27 licences were

issued during the same period in 2015 - income 2015 of £5,701 which was

down on last year. This may be due to the weather and ground conditions.

Last year was busy with filming but enquiries are much reduced, including

student filming.

In response to a query regarding the deer herd, Members noted that at the last count there were 395 deer in the Forest. 162 vehicle collisions with deer had been reported during the last year and this remained a significant issue for the Forest. Deer which had been killed were handled by the Local Animal Collision Scheme at no cost to the Forest. Officers informed Members that due to the high number of collisions it would be beneficial to increase the number of deer culled going forward.

In response to a query regarding Epping Long Green, Members noted that the removal of industrial building, loose box and hard-standing had taken place; redevelopment of previously developed land would now provide four residential dwellings. Members noted that this conflicted with Green Belt policies and access to the site was across Forest Land.

Resolved – that the update be received.