Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached)

A report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath providing an update on matters relating to the management and enhancement of the Wood was considered.

Sustainability

The Highgate Wood Manager reported that a review of the existing waste management operations in Highgate Wood was coming to an end. Work was being done to implement a service level agreement with the City of London’s waste contractors Enterprise. It was hoped an agreement on costs would be achieved soon and the service would be operating by the New Year.

Management of the Site 2014 and Beyond

The Highgate Wood Manager informed Members that discussions were currently taking place regarding staff rostas for 2013/14. The new staffing restructure and changes to job roles were necessary to meet the budget reductions.

Heritage and History

The Highgate Wood Manager reported that plans to progress the return of the Roman Kiln to Highgate Wood would advance following approval of the Conservation Management Plan. This project would provide Highgate Wood with an opportunity to re-establish links with the Museum of London and the Bruce Castle Museum in London Borough of Haringey. Funding would be applied for to carry out the required reconfiguration of the education building. The large earthwork structure at the northern end of the site would be protected by the new 2012 conservation area.

Tree Management and woodland conservation

The Highgate Wood Manager informed Members that tree inspections were progressing well, with investigations focussing on highest priority areas such as Muswell Road and the play-areas. There was a growing national trend towards tree risk management where risk evaluation was addressing the actual risk rather than perceived risk. This system would be introduced over the coming months. In response to a Member’s query the Highgate Wood Manager advised that under the new system trees were treated in order of the risk they posed. Highgate Wood management team regularly met with consultants to audit tree management systems incidents.

The new mobile elevated platform had been used to carry out reduction work on two dead trees and removed significant dead wood on three others. The Highgate Wood Manager informed the Committee that the cold spells had led to a much healthier canopy.

Oak Decline Survey

There had been three tree deaths this year, and it was likely that there would be further losses this year and in subsequent years. Efforts were being channelled into creating a long term strategy to conserve the remaining trees and nurturing a stock of replacement.

Play area.

The Highgate Wood Manager reported that a mobile crane unit would be required to start the process of dismantling the tree sculpture due to concerns about progressing decay in the base. The removed sections would be relocated nearby. Members asked officers acknowledge in their monthly newsletters that this decay would continue and to include information on the work being done to prevent it.

Wildlife Update

In response to a Member’s query the Highgate Wood Manager advised that the beehives were healthy and Officers would investigate selling the honey produced by the bees in the onsite café and shop. The hives were being managed and cared for by someone from the North London Bee Keepers Association.

Infrastructure and Buildings

City Surveyors had identified funding to replace section of fencing along Muswell Hill Road; this work was due to be completed in the next financial year.

Community and Events

This year’s Heritage Day event was well attended and was a marked improvement on the 2011 event which was plagued by wet weather. The Highgate Wood Manager commended the contribution from the Heath Hands volunteers who had been invaluable with the coppicing and clearance work in the new 2012 conservation area.

In response to a Member’s query the Highgate Wood Manager informed Members that Christmas trees would not be received for recycling at Highgate Wood.

RECEIVED.