The Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, discussing a range of issues concerning the management and future of Hampstead Heath. Key decisions included noting the progress of the five-year business plan, reviewing the risk management report, and discussing the Pergola Conservation Management Plan. The committee also received updates on Heath Hands' activities and the finance progress report.

Legal Proceedings and Site Improvements

The committee received an update on ongoing legal proceedings concerning Hampstead Heath, with officers confirming that both judicial review and possession proceedings remain active. Regarding the Hampstead Heath Ponds Access Policy, the Executive Director, Environment, stated that the new policy was being implemented, and a High Court appeal concerning its judicial review was scheduled for early November. Officers also reported that tenders had been issued for the feasibility scope of improvements to the changing rooms, and a preferred consultant had been determined.

Legionella Concerns at Heath Extension Changing Rooms

In response to a query about legionella in the Heath Extension changing rooms, officers advised that the facilities had been closed following positive test results. Retesting and disinfection of the pipework and systems were underway, and costings for the necessary disinfection would be obtained to facilitate the safe reopening of the facilities, particularly in light of demand during the football and rugby seasons. The City Surveyor's Department had confirmed that funding had been set aside for the changing rooms, and a broader review would assess their future use.

Assistant Director's Update

The committee received an update on matters relating to Hampstead Heath, highlighting the success of the duathlon event, which had to relocate its swimming component to the Lido due to blue-green algae in the Ladies' Pond. Officers also noted the significant anti-social behaviour experienced over the summer, and that following investment in additional security, they had seen some improvement in behaviour across the Heath. Following a previous resolution regarding the Constabulary, officers confirmed that the relevant business cases had been agreed, and funding had been released from the security reserve to recruit six additional constabulary officers and a sergeant. This initiative aims to bolster the Constabulary's presence and engagement on the Heath. Discussions were also ongoing with the Metropolitan Police regarding collaborative support, with initial correspondence exchanged and a meeting being arranged. Regarding the closure of toilets on the Heath Extension, officers confirmed that the City Surveyor's Department had been engaged on the matter, but a timeline for reopening had not yet been established.

Risk Management Report

The committee reviewed the Hampstead Heath Risk Register. A key concern raised was the increased risk score for Adverse impacts of extreme weather and climate change, which was reassessed due to the heatwaves experienced during Summer 2026. Actions are being taken to mitigate the impact of this risk, including reviewing the Extreme Weather Protocol and improving weather warning systems. Other risks noted include the decline in asset condition, impacts of anti-social behaviour, work-related stress, and readiness for the Natural Environment Charities Review (NECR) implementation. Concerns were also raised about the risk of fire, with members suggesting a higher rating than currently reflected. The HGSRA representative noted that the red-rated risks were interrelated and connected to the transition to the Grant Funding Model. Specific attention was given to the risks associated with visitor pressure and development, with suggestions to merge these categories. The health and safety implications of current risks were also highlighted, with particular reference to bins, the closure of Golders Hill sandpit, and dog waste bins. The potential impact of government policy on environmental protections was also discussed.

Pergola Conservation Management Plan

The committee received a report on the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Hill Garden and Pergola. Officers explained that the CMP provides a long-term framework for the site's conservation, management, and use, addressing its heritage significance, condition, risks, and opportunities. The plan outlines 66 policies and an action plan with indicative costs, estimating around £5.5 million for enabling and conservation works. The committee discussed the level of investment required for long-term safety and restoration, the need to consider heritage requirements, and the clarity of financial figures. The CMP does not specify a preferred replacement timber but establishes the principle that the replacement does not need to match the existing Oak. The selection of specific materials will be addressed at a later stage of design conservation work.

Donor Recognition Programme

The committee considered a proposal for a Donation Recognition Programme for Hampstead Heath Charity. The programme aims to recognise donors through plaques on benches, with a minimum donation of £7,500 for a 10-year dedication. Locations for plaques will be pre-approved, and a waiting list system will be managed via an online GIS map. The LCSR and HGSRA representatives commented that they were supportive of the recommended option. Concerns were raised about the significant increase in the minimum donation amount compared to other London boroughs, and the optics of this. Alternative recognition measures, such as honours boards, were also discussed.

Five-Year Business Plan (Mid-Term Report)

A mid-term update on the North London Open Spaces five-year business plan for Hampstead Heath was presented. Members noted the ambitious plans for the next two years and the importance of considering realistic achievements given current resources. Queries were raised about drainage works at Parliament Hill and the timeline for developing a new 10-year strategy. Officers acknowledged that consultation on drainage projects had taken place previously and they were still being actively considered, however, there was currently no funding available. The development of a new 10-year strategy was noted as being included in the plan, with planning for it to begin. The committee also discussed the proposed new strategy for Golders Hill Park Zoo, which would build on existing plans and bring together various requirements.

Update on Golders Hill Park Feasibility Study

Officers provided a verbal update on the Golders Hill Park Feasibility Study, explaining that they were in the process of finalising the details of a donation to cover the study's costs. The donor aimed for the project to have a positive and lasting impact on the local community, including education, supporting ecology and biodiversity, as well as the aims of the Zoo. The study will involve workshops with staff and senior management, with a presentation to stakeholders, including the committee, planned for a future meeting.

Finance Progress Report

The committee received a finance progress report for Hampstead Heath charity, up to the end of August 2026. Figures indicated that it appeared as though a small surplus remained despite additional expenditure over the summer period. Officers confirmed that the figures were up to date as of the end of August 2026, and that numbers would change in the next report due to significant security expenditure. Discussions addressed the continuation of transition funding, with contingency funding allocated for three financial years, prioritising constabulary staffing costs and health and safety roles. The committee sought greater clarity on which funding requests had and had not been agreed, noting that it had been in-part agreed and prioritised towards constabulary roles. Concerns were raised about the impact of funding limitations on staff and future planning processes.

Draft Annual Report & Financial Statements

The committee received a draft version of the Trustee's Annual Report and Financial Statements for Hampstead Heath for the year ended 31 March 2026. The report was noted as being well-written and more engaging than previous versions.

Heath Hands Update

The committee received three reports from Heath Hands: a quarterly update, a partnership report, and the annual report for 2025/26. The resignation of Colin Houston as CEO of Heath Hands was announced, with recruitment for a successor underway. The committee conveyed its thanks to Colin Houston for his significant contributions to the charity's growth and diversification. Clarification was sought on Heath Hands' current independence and its relationship with the Hampstead Heath Charity's strategy. Officers confirmed that Heath Hands operates as an independent charity, with a seconded officer from North London Open Spaces to lead at the officer level, a model that has historically worked well. Ongoing dialogue ensures Heath Hands is involved in strategic planning, working in a complementary manner.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

No questions were raised by the committee regarding matters relating to its work.

Any Other Business

Susan Rose, the representative for the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee, had recently resigned. The committee thanked her for her service and noted that they were awaiting names to fill the vacancy.

Date of Next Meeting

The committee noted that the date of the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 12 January 2027.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for non-public agenda items.