Agenda item

Epping Forest - Superintendent's Update for December 2017 to March 2018 (SEF 25/18)

Report of Superintendent of Epping Forest.

Minutes:

Members received a presentation from the Superintendent of Epping Forest and noted his report summarising the Epping Forest Division’s activities across December 2017 to March 2018. The following comments were made.

 

Staff and Volunteers

·         The Superintendent advised Members that a number of positions have now been filled.

·         The Epping Forest Chingford Golf Course and Wanstead Flats Sport turf teams have been successfully restructured to provide more structure and assist with management.

Budgets

 

·         It was noted that indications suggested that Epping Forest was likely to record a small overspend of £46,000 (1.69%).

Weather

 

·         The Superintendent advised that wet winter weather and unseasonable storms had had an impact on the Forest. The cold and wet conditions extended the Closed Riding season which moved to Open Riding from 5 May. 

Open Spaces Act 2018

 

·         The Superintendent advised Members that the Bill received Royal Assent on 15 March 2018 and that work was now underway to explore and prioritise new powers of enforcement and licencing letting of vacant premises.

 

Forest Services

 

Fly tipping

·         Members were advised that fly-tipping for the period of December 2017 – March 2018 had had a 42.4% reduction in comparison to the same period 12 months ago and this impact was attributed to the enforcement of fines and carpark improvements.

Rough Sleepers

·         Members were advised that the number of rough sleepers had fallen dramatically by 80% and that the City of London Corporation is continuing to work closely with the Police, homeless organisations and the local authorities to resolve rough sleeping on the Forest.  

Buffer Land deer count

·         Members were advised that the buffer land deer count was lower, and the cull figure was moving proportionally down.

Licences

·         It was noted that a total of 62 licences for events were issued during the four months being reported.

 

Heritage, Landscape and Nature Conservation

Agri-environment scheme

·         Members were advised that another area in the series of wood-pasture restoration had been completed (50.6 acres) and that 300 acres had now been cleared. 

Grazing 

·         Members were advised that there had been three significant investments in equipment for the grazing project: a new Nissan Navara truck, a tractor-mounted straw chopper / blower and a staff welfare cabin which has been installed at Great Gregories.

·         The Superintendent noted that the new hedges had been planted in the buffer land and new fences were installed at Hornbeam Lane and Fairmead car park providing an area to round up and hold cattle before going into the pound.

Heritage

·         The Superintendent advised Members that good progress has been made with the Copped Hall Parkland Plan and a final draft prior to consideration by the Consultative Committee and the Epping Forest and Commons Committee was being prepared. Of particular significance was the confirmation of the size and importance of the Tudor Square Pond at Rookery Wood and its part in the historic landscape.

Biodiversity

·         Members were advised that three statutory notices had been received from the Animal & Plant Health Agency regarding OPM. Surveys have been commissioned and, so far, the team has avoided the spraying of chemicals to control OPM in the Forest. This continues to be monitored and the team are looking to recruit volunteers to find nests in spring.

·         It was noted that the cold weather during March saw increased numbers of winter migrant birds stay on in the Forest and spring arrivals were very limited. A large influx of different birds has since become apparent across Epping Forest.

 

Land Management

Town & Country Planning

·         Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Local Plan. A 6-week consultation by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) took place on its new Local Plan and negotiations will lead up to a Section 19 consultation to inspectors prior to the Plan’s submission. A major response to the Epping Forest District Council is being pursued on the soundness of the proposed Local Plan.

·         London Borough of Redbridge (LBR) Local Plan. A report was published on the main modifications to the London Borough of Redbridge’s Local Plan.  Epping Forest Officers continue to engage with LBR to ensure concerns by the City of London Corporation are considered.

·         London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) Local Plan. Epping Forest Officers await a response to a request for an early meeting with LBWF about its Local Plan review and its role as a competent authority in protecting the Forest.

·         Woodberry Way. An application has been made for a property to develop the gardens at the rear of these properties into nine additional houses. Concerns raised by Officers were rejected by planners but will be appealed.

·         In addition to the Local Plans responses, Officers also commented on 15 planning applications.

Operations

Habitat Works

·         It was noted that wood pasture restoration work continues at the Forest with the final measurement of the areas worked this winter due to take place.

·         The Superintendent advised that the refilling of the lakes at Wanstead Park continues daily, however, the pumped water is not increasing. More investigation is to take place.

Risk Management Works

 

·         Members were advised that the 2018 tree safety assessment has been completed across the Forest.

·         The City of London Corporation is seeking advice following a series of subsidence claims from homeowners. A review is currently being undertaken into all tree root nuisance claims made against the Forest and, upon completion, the department will work with the insurance team to identify possible strategies for reducing the City’s significant financial liabilities in this area.

·         It was noted that UK Power Network have offered a contribution towards the costs to repair the sink hole on St Peters Green and contractors have been contacted.

Access Works

 

·         It was noted that car parks improvement works at various sites have taken place which would be a huge improvement going forward and all car parks were now open. 

·         Staff and volunteers have completed a survey of the promoted paths in the Forest with the findings to be compiled into a Work Programme.

Visitor Services

 

·         Members were advised that there had been significant social media growth and as of 19 April 2018 was as follows - Twitter followers: 6,371 (54% year on increase); Facebook likes: 1,302 (82% increase); Instagram followers: 886 (169% increase).

 

·         Members were advised that there has been a number of well received publications including the Forest Focus ezine winter and spring editions, ‘Short walks in Epping Forest’ and the new, revised Official Epping Forest map. It was also noted Dr Jeremy Dagley, Head of Conservation, was interviewed and introduced by David Attenborough for Epping Forest’s feature in the Queen’s Green Planet documentary which aired on ITV on Monday 16 April 2016. 

Events and Activities

 

·         Members were advised that there had been a number of successful events including the Epping Forest Christmas Grotto, the ‘Printing inspired by Nature’ taster session craft event at The View, Half Term Winter Trees, the Hunting the King’s deer: Epping Forest Poaching in the 16th and 17th centuries exhibition and the ‘You can’t see the trees for the woods’ exhibition.

 

·         The Superintendent was sad to advise Members that Alan Cornish from _ had passed away and highlighted his important contribution to Epping Forest.

·         In response to a query regarding the gaps caused by the new style oak bollards installed on the green on the corner of Nursery Road and Smarts Lane in Loughton, the Superintendent confirmed that the logs could be repositioned to allow pedestrians to get through.  

·         A Member highlighted the fantastic work of volunteers who clear rubbish at the Forest following sport events.

·         In response to a query concerning the annual number of deer related road accidents, Members were advised that there had been 73 since January and the average was approximately 150 to 200 accidents per year.

·         A Member noted complaints regarding access for horse keepers and queried why some land was up for development, but others were not. The Superintendent advised that there were clear development restrictions for houses in the green belt. In response to a comment regarding whether access would be ensured for people in cottage house, the Superintendent advised that there would be a charge for the cost of track and all new owners would be informed of all costs and the expectations required.

·         Members voiced concerns over the City of London’s decision to sell freeholds with development opportunities rather than long leaseholds and queried why this decision was made as it would bring a loss of property income. The Superintendent advised that the City of London Corporation were struggling to maintain all 109 properties, so a decision was made to rationalise the estate.

·         The Chairman noted that the decision was debated for over two years and the building had fallen into severe disrepair. Members were advised that the freehold should have been maintained by surveyors and the decision to sell was made reluctantly due to a lack of funds to repair the building. Members felt that there needed to be a better internal process for the poor maintenance of properties and hoped this would be monitored better in future. The Chairman noted that a report would be going to the Policy & Resources Committee regarding this matter.

·         Members were concerned that the Savilles website and others advertised the freehold with development opportunities. Members were advised that just the building was freehold, but the land was leasehold and belonged to the City of London Corporation. Members were keen that the public be made aware of the restrictions involved and the Chairman agreed to seek clarity on this matter.

·         In response to a comment regarding potential future issues caused by raised reservoirs at Wanstead Park following the effect and costs of the raised reservoir at Highams Park, the Superintendent advised that there were potential liabilities from seven raised reservoirs at Epping Forest due to unreliable construction from the 1900s. Following £1.7m spent on Highams Park, there were concerns of significant costs at Wanstead Park as three reservoirs have been identified as requiring work and this would be a huge project to manage. The City of London Corporation is obligated to address all issues found in an engineer’s report and will respond accordingly.

 

RECEIVED.

 

 

 

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