Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Jeremy Simons, Marguerite Clark (Highgate Society) and Peter Corley (Tree Trust for Haringey).

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 05 May 2016

The Committee received the minutes of the meeting held on 13 April 2016.

Matters Arising

It was confirmed an appeal would be progressing for the Water House development. It was likely to be heard by written representation, and the Corporation would be making a submission.

The Chairman reported that the Highgate Wood Community Day had been a success and thanked all involved in its organisation.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Consultative Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath providing an update on the management and operational activities in Highgate Wood since April 2016.

Members discussed the progression of the Pavilion Café procurement process. Over 1500 responses had been received for the café consultation and learning would be discussed at a Café Working Party workshop. A representative from Highgate Wood was sought and Officers undertook to send Members the details of the session. 

The possibility of holding a Special Meeting in January 2017 to discuss the recommendations of the Working Party was supported by the Committee.

Members proceeded to note the following matter’s arising from the Superintendent’s update:

Changes to Closing Time

A trial of the amended closing time had been successful and it was recommended that this was now confirmed. Three complaints had been received and these had been concluded satisfactorily.

Changes to Working Arrangements

It was reported that the changes to the working arrangements had been implemented successfully. A reciprocal staffing arrangement with the Heath meant that staff at the Wood had the opportunity to develop their skills in a different ecological environment.

Roman Kiln Project

The Roman Kiln Working Party would be reinstated with the aim to fundraise for a further bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was felt the bid was more likely to succeed through increasing the level of match funding. Heritage Lottery Fund were providing advice.

Sustainability

A commitment had been made to replace the system providing hot water to the changing rooms by spring 2017.

Woodland Conservation

-       Work on the new conservation area, adjacent to the previous area, was due to begin. Lessons had been learnt from the management of the previous area, which had seen sparse growth in some parts.

-       The only viable option for squirrel

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Consultative Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath detailing the proposed fees and charges for the facilities and services of the North London Open Spaces.

Members discussed the policy on memorial benches, the charges for which were to remain unchanged until a review had been conducted. It was reported that the policy was currently inconsistent on length of time before inscriptions were reviewed. Suggestions for alternative memorial schemes were discussed, including a scheme where patrons could sponsor items of equipment needed to support the volunteers working in Highgate Wood.

RECEIVED

In response to a query from a Member, the Superintendent confirmed that the veteran tree seminar had been well received and the outcomes were being incorporated into the Divisional Plan.

A Member queried the relation between the Wood and the local schools that used it. It was hoped that a more formal relationship could be developed with the sector.

There was no other business.

To note the next meeting will take place on Wednesday 31^st May 2017.

The date of the next meeting was noted to be 31 May 2016.