Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the Deer Sanctuary, Theydon Bois – Conservation Statement. The report sought the adoption of the draft Conservation Statement for the heritage landscape of Birch Hall Park, also known as the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Member’s attention was drawn to an error regarding the acreage of Birch Hall Park which should read 120 acres.

Replying to a query from a Member of the Committee the Director of Open Spaces confirmed that Committee consideration of the 2016 Conversation Statement had been delayed with the expectation of a companion report on the leaking dam.  Members were also asked to that the forthcoming Deer Strategy Review would affect the management policy for the Deer Sanctuary.

Further to comment within the report a Member of the Committee the queried whether there were trees effected Ash Dieback Disease within Epping Forest. Replying to this the Director of Open Spaces confirmed that Ash Dieback Disease was present within Epping Forest.

RESOLVED- That the draft Conservation Statement be approved for consultation with key stakeholders.