Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Anne Fairweather, Marguerite Clark, Peter Corley, Jan Brooker and Alison Watson.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 2017.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 2017 be approved, subject to some typographical amendments.

Matters Arising

Squirrel Traps

In response to a question from Cllr Bob Hare (London Borough of Haringey), the Conservation & Trees Manager replied that it was difficult to give an estimate of the overall squirrel population in Highgate Wood. In response to a further question, he noted that the traps were likely having a small impact on the overall population, but that judgement on the effectiveness of the traps would be reserved until their introduction was reviewed after one year. Other sites, such as Kenwood, had introduced squirrel traps many years ago and therefore it was worth persevering with the traps in the Wood. He noted that it would not be possible to introduce pine martens into the Wood as a natural deterrent – in line with a successful pilot in Ireland – as the Wood was too small an area to be a sustainable habitat for the animals.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

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

Revised Working Arrangements

·         The Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager noted that these were working well, and that a revised duty roster was currently being consulted on with staff.

Roman Kiln Project

·         The Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager noted that he was confident the Charitable Incorporated Organisation would be established by Christmas 2017. The project remained ‘live’ on the City of London Corporation’s project management system.

Sustainability

·         The Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager noted that he was looking to replace the battery-powered Bradshaw vehicle which had now come to the end of its working life.

Woodland Conservation and Tree Management

·         The Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager drew Members’ attention to the draft Woodland Management Plan appended to the report and noted that he planned to work with colleagues of his in Epping Forest and apply for a Countryside Stewardship Award, which would support delivery of the Plan.

·         In response to a question from Cllr Gail Engert (London Borough of Haringey) the Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager noted that he was not certain that European Union (EU) grant funding would continue once the United Kingdom left the EU.  

·         The Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager noted that Members were welcome to provide comments on the draft Plan outside of the meeting, and that the final iteration would be put to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee in March 2018. At the request of the Chairman, he agreed to issue an email to Members after the meeting setting out the consultation timeline for the Plan, and what the review period would be.

·         In response to a request from Cllr Gail Engert (London Borough of Haringey) the Highgate Wood and Conservation Manager agreed to provide feedback to Members

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath regarding the development of a divisional plan for Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park and the following points were made.

·         The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath noted that the intention of the plan was to move towards a more outcome-focused way of working. 22 of the 39 projects outlined within the plan were relevant to Highgate Wood. Members were welcome to comment on the draft plan outside of the meeting.

·         In response to a question, the Superintendent noted that a summary report would be submitted to Members each summer to provide an update on how divisional plan projects were progressing.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.

Walking Guide

In response to a question from Cllr Gail Engert (London Borough of Haringey) the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath agreed to consider whether walking guides and associated literature could be provided in the Highgate Wood Café. Cllr Engert noted in particular that she would welcome, if possible, a bespoke guide to a walk from Muswell Hill to Primrose Hill via Highgate Wood and Hampstead Heath.

Deputy John Tomlinson

The Chairman noted that this was Deputy John Tomlinson’s first meeting and welcomed him to the Group.

18 April 2018 at 4.00pm.