Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Consultative Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath providing an update on the management and operational activities in Highgate Wood since April 2016.

Members discussed the progression of the Pavilion Café procurement process. Over 1500 responses had been received for the café consultation and learning would be discussed at a Café Working Party workshop. A representative from Highgate Wood was sought and Officers undertook to send Members the details of the session. 

The possibility of holding a Special Meeting in January 2017 to discuss the recommendations of the Working Party was supported by the Committee.

Members proceeded to note the following matter’s arising from the Superintendent’s update:

Changes to Closing Time

A trial of the amended closing time had been successful and it was recommended that this was now confirmed. Three complaints had been received and these had been concluded satisfactorily.

Changes to Working Arrangements

It was reported that the changes to the working arrangements had been implemented successfully. A reciprocal staffing arrangement with the Heath meant that staff at the Wood had the opportunity to develop their skills in a different ecological environment.

Roman Kiln Project

The Roman Kiln Working Party would be reinstated with the aim to fundraise for a further bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was felt the bid was more likely to succeed through increasing the level of match funding. Heritage Lottery Fund were providing advice.

Sustainability

A commitment had been made to replace the system providing hot water to the changing rooms by spring 2017.

Woodland Conservation

-       Work on the new conservation area, adjacent to the previous area, was due to begin. Lessons had been learnt from the management of the previous area, which had seen sparse growth in some parts.

-       The only viable option for squirrel population control was trapping. A small batch of six traps was being procured with advice from English Heritage, with more to be procured if the trial proved successful. It was confirmed the traps would be placed in secure locations away from public areas.

-       In response to a query from a Member in relation to Hedgehog population, it was reported that although none had been found in a recent survey it was likely that the less populated areas were likely to get positive results.

-       It was noted that “Hedgehog Tunnels”, with paint to capture footprints, were utilised.

Volunteer Activity

Activity had been focused on the 2012 conservation area. Sessions had been well attended and the Chairman expressed her thanks to all the volunteers.

Oak decline and regeneration

The Superintendent reported that many of the oak trees that had been protected had died as a result of mildew. The surviving trees were being helped to prosper. The oak decline survey was ongoing and the results were currently stable. The long term continuation of the survey was important to capture any decline.

Tree disease and biosecurity issues

It was reported that no Oak Processionary Moth nests had been found; it was felt this was in part due to the wet weather over the spring period. Their arrival was anticipated in 2017. It was confirmed photographs had been installed to inform the public to be vigilant for their nests.

Ash dieback had been found in the Highgate area although had not yet been detected in the Wood. The spread was being monitored.

Community and Events

Approximately 800 people had used the canopy stair which had been installed as part of Community Day.

Planning and Local Development

-       It was anticipated that two large developments close to the Wood would have a large impact on visitor numbers.

-       The Onslow Gate project was progressing and it was predicated the project would be completed by April 2017.

Annual Work Plan

The Superintendent advised that any additional comments on the work plan could be submitted in writing prior to the meeting of the Grand Committee on 21 November 2016. Both the Roman Kiln Project and the Onslow Gate Project were included in the plan.

It was noted that the Wood had received a Green Flag award for the 20^th year, one of only five sites to have done so.

RECEIVED