Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered a report informing Members that the Friends of Wanstead Parklands were a well-established voluntary group with a commitment to promoting the use, recreational opportunities, public awareness and benefits of improvement to Wanstead Park as part of Epping Forest. The Group were independently applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund – Our Heritage Programme - for an award towards £100,000 with the intention of interpreting the physical and natural environment of Wanstead Park.

Members agreed that the project was excellent and would be a valuable initiative by Friends of Wanstead Park. Members were also able to view their application and the City had a right to veto on the content in the application. With regards to the excavation of the Pyramidian, the Superintendent said the research was invaluable.

The Committee noted that the bid required the approval of the Committee on behalf of the City of London as the Conservators of Epping Forest. There were no direct financial implications for the City of London in supporting the project other than Officer time associated with approving the interpretive content of the project. Members agreed that a robust plan would be required from the Friends of Wanstead Parklands with sustainability built in to it. The Committee asked Officers to convey to the group that this approval was subject to no financial support being provided by the City Corporation.

Resolved – that Members:

· Supported, in principle, the application by The Friends of Wanstead Parklands for an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund – Our Heritage Programme – to

interpret the heritage of the Wanstead Park Grade II* Listed Registered Park

and Garden.