Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered an update report of the Superintendent and the following points were made.

·         A Member suggested that “no dog waste” be stated on all recycle bins. Members were advised that planned work was due to take place on bins to provide clarity on general and recycling bins and to convey educational messages.

Roman Kiln Project

·         It was recommended that the work of Bruce Castle Museum be mentioned in this project.

·         Members were advised that a report on the outcomes would be provided at the next meeting. 

Woodland Conservation and Tree Management

·         The Superintendent advised that storms and extreme weather in January, most notably storms Eleanor, David and Georgina, had caused damage throughout Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood and led to closure of Highgate Wood for four days in compliance with the Division’s Extreme Weather Event Protocol.

Ecology

·         The interesting survey results of the research projects on hedgehogs and foxes were noted and Members were advised that a student could be approached regarding the preparation of a leaflet to go to Lancaster Road residents regarding hedgehogs.

Volunteer activity

·         Members were advised of Heath Hands’ plan to increase their already significant activity.

·         The Superintendent expressed thanks to all the volunteers that work at Highgate Wood. 

Oak decline and oak regeneration

·         It was noted that the two tables projecting tree loss were based on 100+ year old trees.

·         In response to a question, Members were advised that currently, approximately ten trees die per year.

Pavilion Café

·         Members were advised that the Superintendent planned to work with the Highgate Wood Consultative Group on the project to re-tender the café lease. Members were supportive of the suggestion to offer a seven-year lease with a possible extension of three years.

·         A Member suggested adding a something to contracts for them to be environmentally aware in line with the City of London Corporation’s attempts to reduce plastic bottles.

Licensed events and activities

·         Members were provided with a table listing the income generated and numbers of people attending of licensed events at Highgate Wood. Members discussed the significant increase in events in the last year and questioned whether there needed to be a limit in order to control the trend.

o   It was agreed that the saturation rate was nearly at maximum as more would impact on the flora and fauna, if numbers were to increase.

o   Members felt that it was important for children to be with nature and queried whether more dispersal of the Walk Talks could take place to spread out the impact.

o   A Member suggested limiting the use of the field for sport.

o   The Chairman suggested concentrating school groups to one area with a boardwalk decked hut in an attempt to protect other areas. The Superintendent recommended engagement with the schools.

o   It was agreed that wider thinking was required, and this would be explored by the Team before the next meeting.

RESOLVED – that:-

·         Members provide feedback on the draft Woodland Management Plan (Appendix 1);

·         The views of the Highgate Wood Consultative Group be conveyed to the Hampstead Heath Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee at their meeting on 23 May 2018.