The Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee met on Tuesday 27 October 2026. Key discussions included the appointment of Nicholas Gargart as the new Head of Conservation, updates on various site improvements and risk management, and the approval of a donor recognition programme. The committee also noted financial reports and discussed future business plans for the sites.

New Head of Conservation Appointed

Nicholas Gargart was welcomed as the new Head of Conservation, joining in late July following the retirement of Jonathan Mears. Mr Gargart brings experience from Historic Royal Palaces and local authorities, and his expertise is expected to be a valuable addition to the team. Councillor Richard Cornelius was also welcomed back to the committee.

Minutes Approved

The minutes from the previous meeting on 14 July 2026 were agreed. Draft minutes from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee (6 October 2026), Highgate Wood Consultative Group (22 May 2026), and Queen's Park Consultative Group (17 July 2026) were noted.

Hampstead Heath Updates

Assistant Director's Report

An update was provided on various matters concerning Hampstead Heath. The cottage at Parliament Hill has been completed and will be used for staff accommodation, with a temporary occupier being sought to generate income. Charlotte Williams provided an update on the pond swimming rules, with an initial draft version to be shared with the legal department and brought to the next committee meeting. Discussions regarding judicial review proceedings and Harry's Land were noted to be best handled in a closed session.

Risk Management Update

Members were asked to confirm that the risk register, attached to the report, satisfactorily sets out the key risks to the charity and that appropriate systems are in place to identify and mitigate risk. Questions were raised regarding the decline in asset condition and what works would remain after the current five-year programme. Officers confirmed that remaining items would be part of the forward maintenance plan and that budget requests for the next cycle were being prepared. Concerns were raised about protecting assets and ensuring longevity beyond the five-year programme, referencing the situation with the pergola.

Work-related stress was highlighted as a concern, with suggestions that recruitment processes for replacement staff should be streamlined. The impact of climate change on the risk register was also discussed, with a view to ensuring Hampstead Heath meets its climate targets. The process for filtering comments from the consultative committee onto the risk register was clarified, with noted comments to be considered for inclusion through the proper process and reviewed against the risk rubric.

Concerns were raised about the increase in anti-social behaviour over the summer and the potential mitigants, including recruiting additional security staff. The role of the Metropolitan Police was discussed, with a view to ensuring their involvement in addressing serious anti-social behaviour. It was noted that this is not peculiar to Hampstead Heath but is an issue across London's open spaces post-COVID, with an escalation in use and deterioration of public behaviour. Discussions on staff recruitment and the City Corporation's HR department were noted as adding administrative layers.

Heath Hands Quarterly Update

A quarterly update and partnership report from Heath Hands was received. Colin Houston, CEO of Heath Hands, was acknowledged for his 11 years of service and stepping down. Heath Hands, a separate charity, delivers significant impact on Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park. An annual impact report detailing quantitative impacts and outcomes will be presented each year.

Donor Recognition Programme

A proposal for a donor recognition programme for Hampstead Heath was considered. The programme aims to recognise contributions through plaques on benches and other forms of recognition. There is a waiting list of 193 people for benches. The minimum donation for recognition is £7,500, benchmarked against other London parks. Epping Forest's programme was noted as a model. Discussions included whether the programme was aimed at individuals or organisations, the wording on plaques, and the duration of recognition. The operational elements, including the number of available benches and the process for managing the waiting list, were also discussed. It was clarified that recognition would be for 10 years, with options for renewal. A digital map with locations will be available.

Hill Garden and Pergola Conservation Management Plan

The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) and accompanying Management and Maintenance Plan (MMP) for the Hill Garden and Pergola were presented. The plan outlines the need for significant investment, estimated at £5.5 million, to address repairs and conservation. Discussions covered the level of investment required for long-term maintenance versus full restoration, ongoing costs, and the potential need for City Corporation funding. A capital funding bid has been submitted. The use of oak to replace existing timber was discussed, with the CMP establishing the principle that replacement timber does not need to match the existing.

Golders Hill Feasibility Study

An update was provided on the feasibility study for the butterfly house at Goldershill Park and surrounding areas. Internal workshops have been held, and a presentation to the next committee meeting is planned, which will include external stakeholder engagement. The study aligns with the zoo's strategy and the City Corporation's charitable objectives.

Five-Year Business Plan (Mid-Term Report)

A mid-term report on the five-year business plan for Hampstead Heath was presented for information. Concerns were raised about the ambitious nature of the plan and the resources available. Consultation on drainage works at Parliament Hill was noted as ongoing, but funding is not currently available. The review of Golders Hill Zoo strategy was discussed, with a new strategy to be developed.

Finance Progress Report

The finance progress report for Hampstead Heath for 2026/27 was presented for information. A projected year-end surplus of £72,000 was noted, reduced to £59,000 due to reduced rental income projections. Final approval had been reached for contingency items, including a transformation fund and funding from the security reserve for nine FTE roles. Discussions clarified the approval process for contingency items, delegated to co-sponsors with final approval from the chair and deputy chair of finance. The funding was prioritised for health, safety, and well-being, including constabulary roles. Publicity for the recruitment of additional constables was suggested. The funding for the constabulary was clarified as being for the grant-funded period, not a one-off year.

Draft Annual and Financial Statements

The draft annual and financial statements for 2025/26 were presented for information. Sign-off by the order, Chamberlain, and finance chairman was expected by the end of November. The statements would be submitted to the Charity Commission in January 2027 and would be publicly available. Concerns were raised about the committee's role in agreeing its own accounts and the broader picture of grant funding and officer reporting structures. It was confirmed that the Finance Committee, in its trustee capacity, signs the accounts, and the Audit and Risk Committee receives the audit report.

Highgate Wood & Queen's Park Updates

Assistant Director's Report (Highgate Wood)

The report was presented for information, with no prior questions raised.

Assistant Director's Report (Queen's Park)

The report was presented for information. Discussions on Queens Park Day and financial aspects would be held in a non-public session. A question was raised regarding the Queen's Park splash pad. Officers reported progress on the splash pad project, with a grant offer received and terms and conditions being finalised. The remaining fundraising target was approximately £45,000, with the aim of securing the full budget by January. Project planning, including costing, quotes, and timelines, is progressing. Queens Park Day was noted as a success for community fundraising, with a crowdfunder and raffle contributing significantly. Future provision for children's entertainment will require external funding. Discussions on Queen's Park Day's long-term model and its 50th anniversary in 2027 were noted.

Risk Management Update

The risk management update report for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park was presented for decision. Members were asked to note the risk register and the assurance that risks are managed in compliance with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011.

Donor Recognition Programme

Proposals for donor recognition programmes for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park were considered for decision. The programmes aim to recognise contributions through plaques on benches and other forms of recognition. Minimum donation levels were discussed, with £7,500 proposed for Hampstead Heath and £5,000 for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. Discussions included the wording on plaques, the duration of recognition, and the allocation process for locations. Benchmarking data was provided.

Five-Year Business Plan (Mid-Term Report)

Mid-term reports for the five-year business plans for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park were presented for information. Concerns were raised about the ambitious nature of the plans and available resources.

Finance Progress Report

The finance progress report for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park for 2026/27 was presented for information. Discussions clarified the process for approving contingency items and the funding sources.

Draft Annual Report and Financial Statements

The draft annual report and financial statements for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park for 2025/26 were presented for information. These are draft versions and subject to final audit and approval.

Other Business

Questions on matters relating to the work of the committee were addressed, and no urgent other business was raised.

Exclusion of the Public

The committee moved to exclude the public for the remainder of the meeting to discuss sensitive matters in a non-public session.