Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Consultative Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath that provided an update of the management and operational activities in Highgate Wood since April 2015.

Members paid particular attention to the proposed changes to closing times during summer. The Wood Manager explained that the closing of the site was complex due to the nature of the Wood so Officers would not finish until at least 10:00pm with the current closure time of 9:45pm. Members noted that the proposed change was for reasons of staff safety and wellbeing rather than cost-saving reasons and supported the introduction of a new closing time to either 9:30pm or 9:15pm, with a preference for 9:15pm.

Members proceeded to note and consider the following matters arising from the Superintendent’s update:

Roman Kiln Project

·         The Heritage Lottery Fund application for a maximum grant of £100,000 submitted in August 2015 was unsuccessful due to a very high level of competition, including a separate bid from the City of London Corporation regarding Kenley Common.

·         The Working Group would reconvene to discuss future possibilities, which might include a separate bid lead by the London Borough of Haringey who were the owners of the Kiln.

Woodland Conservation and Tree Management

·         In response to a question from the Deputy Chairman, the Wood Manager advised that squirrel control was not currently carried out at the Wood.

·         Members expressed support for a control strategy which the Superintendent would look into following consultation with colleagues at Burnham Beeches, where squirrel control was currently being implemented.

Oak Decline and Regeneration

·         The results of the veteran oak canopy survey was consistent with last years’ survey with a small number of trees dying but no increase as a whole across the 327 trees.

·         The Wood Manager advised that soil in Highgate Wood was visually more compacted than in nearby Queen’s Wood, which was a potential reason for less oak decline at Queen’s Wood.

·         The date of the 2016 Queen’s Wood and Highgate Wood joint walk would be circulated to the Consultative Committee once finalised.

Community and Events

·         Further licensed activity may have to be carefully considered against impact on the woodland environment, which could limit licensed activities to the current levels but with a potential to increase the charges to increase income.

·         There had been suggestions to change the name of the Community Day event and to advertise it more widely, which was supported by some members (Friends of Queen’s Wood, Highgate Society).

·         A member (Highgate Society) suggested that the event should focus more on heritage and wildlife, including high-quality craft sellers and the involvement of the London Wildlife Trust.

·         The Wood Manager added that it was the consensus amongst Highgate Wood staff to maintain the event at its current level and retain the rural community atmosphere, avoiding issues of trying to manage a larger scale event with the accompanying issues of vehicles and higher visitor numbers.

·         Members suggested that more help could be provided by members of the community, including Heath Hands’ Highgate Wood volunteers, in terms of the organisation of the event.

·         Members (Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association, Muswell Hill Friends of the Earth) also suggested the addition of popular street food and craft stalls who would pay for a stall at the event.

Infrastructure and Buildings

In response to a member’s (Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee) question, the Wood Manager advised that the proposed new electric gates at Onslow Gate would be remotely controlled to allow vehicular access to the Café car park for disabled badge holders, once they had contacted a member of staff. This would be sign-posted on the new gate.

In response to a member’s (Highgate Society) question, the Superintendent advised that he would contact Officers at the London Borough of Haringey regarding their open spaces Local Development Framework.

RESOLVED – That the Superintendent’s Update report be noted.