Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath that provided an update on the production of the new Conservation Management Plan for Highgate Wood. Members noted that the Plan had progressed through four revisions and the latest draft was presented to the Committee. Members were asked to suggest any revisions to the Plan for final sanction and adoption.

The following was noted:

·        Three public consultations were held and were well attended. There was overwhelming support for all policies and a broad agreement with the Master Plan.

·        The general feedback from the public consultation days suggested that overall heritage was not appreciated by the public and it required further promotion. Officers reported that the location of the Roman Kiln at Highgate Wood should boost public interest in heritage.

·        The Conservation Officer from Burnham Beeches had been very helpful by providing Highgate Wood Management with the extensive material that was used for Burnham’s own Management Plan consultation.

·        The inclusion of Highgate Wood’s extensive and long history in the Heritage Chapter would be a priority for the New Year.

·        Members noted that Local Nature Reserve status would be a  great opportunity for Highgate Wood. The manager would meet with Natural England to discuss the preservation of the site, and stregtnghen links with neighbouring ancient woodland sites suc as Queen’s Wood.

·        The site was open to funding and it was therefore very important to promote useful links between Highgate Wood and Natural England.

·        Members requested that all current and future conservation areas by labelled on maps included in the Plan for clarity.

·        The legal aspects of issues covered in the report would be investigated by lawyers in due course.

The Superintendent informed Members that the Conservation Management Plan would be considered by the Management Committee in January where it would be recommended that the Committee endorse it as a 10-year plan for the site. Members requested that all maps and photographs in the final plan be printed at a high quality and in colour. The Committee commended the Plan, and thanked the Highgate Wood Manager for a valuable and well written Management Plan.

RECEIVED.