Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath updating them on the progress of the landscaping works undertaken at the conclusion of the Ponds Project. A small list of outstanding issues was to be discussed at the final meeting with the Contractor in April, and the Conservation Team and Ecologists were now keeping the ecological works under close scrutiny. Feedback on the works from Heath users would be crucial over the coming months.

The Committee discussed the petition that was in progress regarding the killings of swans by dogs and people at the Hampstead Heath Ponds and included the desire for the island on the model boating pond to be secured as a bird sanctuary. The lead petitioner was hoping to gather more signatures before submitting the petition.

A report outlining a range of options for the island would be submitted to the Committee in March. The Senior Ecologist had stressed the need for consistency in managing the island to avoid wildlife being disturbed once allowed to thrive. It was recognised that the model boating pond was seen as “The People’s Pond”, and was well used by fisherman and model boaters.

The Committee further discussed both the constructed paths and the desire lines around the works. The Superintendent confirmed the situation would be monitored, and it was hoped that the reinforced turf would be effective at preventing the creation of desire lines.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted, and that the views of the Committee are conveyed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.