Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee received an update from the Superintendent of Epping Forest

informing Members of activities which had taken place in and around the

forest. Of particular note was that Epping Forest has received the Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards for a 14th consecutive year. Invasive alien species also featured prominently in this period. On the plus side was the work undertaken to clear Floating Pennywort from Perch Pond at Wanstead Park, which made significant inroads in dealing with this problem vegetation. On the other hand, however, the arrival of Ash Dieback was confirmed conclusively.

There were two significant incursions by travellers during this period which were

dealt with successfully. In the meantime rough sleeping and fly-tipping were

reduced compared to the same period last year. Local Plans continue to

exercise a lot of officer time as well and this work is set to increase as new

consultations are now in train.

Fly-tips for the current period being reported in 2016 were 102 compared to

121 in the same period in 2015, a decrease of 15.7%. The closure of the car

parks has not accounted for the decrease in fly tips and we have no evidence

which explains this trend. The only significant drop in car park fly tips occurred

in Centre road car park where 59 fly tips occurred last year and 24 this year.

In response to a query regarding the proposal to plant crocuses on Forest land, Officers noted that Members of the Committee were not in favour of this proposal an asked for this to be fed back.

Officers informed Members that they were working with local authorities and emergency services to remove an abandoned vehicle in the Forest. This was taking slightly longer than originally anticipated as the vehicle’s chassis was badly damaged and therefore could not be moved without road closures and safety precautions put in place.

Resolved – that the update be received.