Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered an update report of the Superintendent and the following points

were made:

Roman Kiln Project

·         The Highgate Wood, Conservation & Trees Manager advised Members that he had been working on this project with Friends of the Highgate Roman Kiln (FOHRK) and that an independent HLF Advisor had been commissioned to produce a report providing guidance on assembling a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) application.

·         The Highgate Wood, Conservation & Trees Manager is working with the City Surveyors Department regarding revised updated costs (revised budget for the project estimated at £150,000) and will assist with the next bid.

·         The Superintendent gave thanks to Heath Hands for their great volunteer input on this project.

Tree disease and biosecurity issues

·         Members were advised that Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) was found in Highgate Wood on 11 June 2018 and a total of 71 nests were identified and removed from oak trees across the Wood.

·         The Highgate Wood, Conservation & Trees Manager advised that it is anticipated that the number of nests will increase in 2019 in line with trends from other open spaces across London and that the Corporation were working with the Forestry Commission to deal with this. The Superintendent noted that natural options were being researched, e.g. a parasistic fly that stops the breeding stage of the moths.

RESOLVED –

·         Members to provide their views on the updated draft Woodland Management Plan, as detailed in appendix 1;

·         Members provide their views and feedback on the Highgate Wood – Part 2 Site Specific Events Policy, and in particular in relation to table 1, as set out in appendix 4;

·         That the views of the Highgate Wood Consultative Group be conveyed to the Hampstead Heath Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee at their meeting on 28 November 2018.