Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee received an update from the Superintendent of Epping Forest informing Members of activities which had taken place in and around the Forest. Members noted that the end-of-year figures for volunteers for 2015 /16 totals 15,328 hours. With regards to the Open Spaced Act, Members noted that Officers were awaiting details of the next phase of the Parliamentary process where the text of the Bill will be open to scrutiny by select committee, particularly in light of the two petitions received. A further clause was being considered to reflect new Powers made available to waste collection authorities by The Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2016.

Fly tips for the current period being reported in 2016 were 53 compared to 86

in the same period in 2015, giving an approximate 45% decrease. This

reduction may reflect the very wet weather in February and increased night

time closure of car parks. Members commended the work undertaken by Officers to ensure the car parks were closed at night; however it was noted that information in the form of signs at the car parks informing members of the public of the reasoning behind the night-time closures would have been very useful. The Superintendent agreed to investigate the placement of signs in the car parks detailing the reasons behind the closure of the car parks at night.

In response to a query regarding BBQs in the forest, Officers informed Members that BBQs were not permitted on land owned by the City, however it would be useful to ensure that a joined up approach was taken across all of our open spaces. The Superintendent informed Members that a change in the policy regarding BBQs would require an amendment to the byelaws. The Superintendent of Epping Forest clarified that Bushcraft Session were conducted to promote the message of responsible fire use connected to the recent arson attemped, which were not related to BBQs in the forest.

The figures for rough sleepers found on the Forest for this period in 2016

were 7, compared to 4 in 2015, an increase of over 75%. This trend is

reflected across neighbouring local authorities, and Officers would continue to work with their colleagues in neighbouring boroughs.

A total of 45 licences were issued during February and March, which yielded

an income of £4,451.50 plus VAT. This represents an increase of 36%

compared to the 33 licences which were issued during the same period in

2015 providing an income 2015 of £4,093.50. The Superintendent agreed to circulate a list of all licences issued to Members of the Committee. Members noted that, the 18 month licence had been issued for fee of £40,000 to Kier Construction for use of a Forest track Wayleave at Woodford Green to enable extension of Woodford County High School. The Superintendent confirmed that Kier would not be using other routes – only the wayleave route.

The Committee noted that a seven metre section of the eroded bank on the pond had been reinforced using large glacial boulders to form the revetment by the Estate works team. In response to a query, Members noted that this was a trial technique to test an approach to reinforcement where Officers are unable to use techniques involving posts in the ground. Officers agreed to monitor the repair over the coming months to test its effectiveness at preventing bank erosion. The Committee agreed that there were lessons to be learnt from the situation at Jubilee Pond.

Resolved – that the update be received.