The Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February 2026, was set to cover a range of operational, financial, and strategic matters concerning the management and future development of these significant green spaces. Key discussions were anticipated around the approval of the five-year business plans for Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park, alongside the crucial 2026/27 revenue and capital budgets for these areas. The meeting agenda also included updates on fundraising efforts, risk management, and senior officer recruitment.

Annual Review of Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to consider an annual review of its Terms of Reference. This review is part of the implementation of the 2021 Governance Review, aiming to provide more time for committees to discuss proposed changes before they are submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee. Any substantial amendments to the Terms of Reference would be progressed through the Natural Environment Charities Review process.

Senior Officer Recruitment Report

A report was presented outlining the process for recruiting a new Deputy Director for the Natural Environment Division, following the resignation of the previous postholder. The report detailed interim arrangements to ensure leadership continuity and the steps for permanent recruitment, in line with the Senior Officer Recruitment Procedure. Members were asked to note the report and endorse the proposed recruitment plan.

Fundraising Overview for North London Open Spaces

The committee was to receive an overview of the development of a fundraising and partnerships strategy for North London Open Spaces (NLOS), which encompasses Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park. This strategy aims to build a sustainable and strategically aligned fundraising function for the charities managed by the NLOS team over the next 12 months, with a longer-term vision for income generation. The report outlined the current context, progress to date, and required workstreams, informed by a fundraising feasibility report.

Assistant Director's Reports

Updates were scheduled on matters relating to Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park. These reports, aligned with the respective management strategies, were expected to cover a range of operational activities, conservation efforts, heritage maintenance, visitor experience improvements, and community engagement initiatives. Specific areas of focus included progress on the Camden Nature Corridor project, works at the Pergola and Hill Garden, management of cycling on Hampstead Heath, and the ongoing issues with the Heath Extension changing rooms due to Legionella detection. For Highgate Wood, discussions were anticipated regarding tree health, the Information Hut, and the cafe remarketing process. Queen's Park updates were expected to cover routine maintenance, the farm, the proposed splash pad, and the BT payphone defibrillator project.

Heath Hands Update

A brief update from Heath Hands, a registered charity delivering conservation, community, learning, and wellbeing programmes across Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and other associated sites, was scheduled. This report was expected to summarise the charity's main activities according to its strategic objectives and partnership agreement with the City of London Corporation.

Risk Management Update Report

The committee was to receive an update on the risk management processes in place for Hampstead Heath, and separately for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. These reports provide an overview of risk governance, reporting formats, and frequency, assuring members that these processes align with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and meet the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. Summaries of the current risk registers were included in the appendices.

Five-Year Business Plans

The committee was scheduled to review and approve the draft five-year business plans for Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park. These plans articulate the charities' planned workstreams over a five-year period, outlining how and when various initiatives will be resourced and delivered. The plans aim to support central planning, delivery, and reporting, and will be updated annually. They are intended to help articulate priorities in a resource-constrained environment and provide predictability for achievable activities.

Operational Finance Progress Reports

Updates were scheduled on the operational finance position for Quarter 3 2025/26 for Hampstead Heath, and separately for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. These reports provide information on the revenue budgets to date, projected year-end outturn positions, current live capital projects, outstanding debt, and details on reserve funds.

2026/27 Revenue and Capital Budgets

The committee was to review and approve the proposed draft revenue and capital budgets for 2026/27 for Hampstead Heath, and separately for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. These budgets are presented for submission to the Finance Committee for approval. The reports detail the proposed net expenditure, grant funding from the City's Estate, and capital project budgets, with explanations for significant movements and variances. The move to a grant-funded model for operational budgets from 2026/27 was also noted.

Hampstead Heath Ponds - Verbal Update

Officers were scheduled to provide a verbal update on matters relating to the Hampstead Heath Ponds. This would likely include information on the public consultation process, analysis of responses, and any potential next steps or meetings concerning access arrangements.

Exclusion of the Public

Part 2 of the agenda included items designated for a non-public session, relating to business under the remit of the Court of Common Council acting as charity trustee. These items were considered sensitive and not in the best interests of the charity to discuss in a public meeting.