The Epping Forest & Commons Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 24 March 2026, was set to cover a range of operational and strategic matters concerning Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches. Key discussions were anticipated around risk management for both Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches & The Commons, the extension of Public Space Protection Orders at Burnham Beeches, and the Epping Forest Conservation and Land Management Work Programme for 2026-2027. The election of Epping Forest Verderers for 2027 was also on the agenda.

Risk Management Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on risk management for both Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches & The Commons. Reports from the Executive Director, Environment, were intended to provide assurance that risk management procedures are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. For Epping Forest, a report was to be presented outlining the risks to the charity, with a summary of the risk register provided. Similarly, for Burnham Beeches & The Commons, a report was to detail the risk management processes for Ashtead Common, Burnham Beeches, Coulsdon and Other Commons, and West Wickham and Spring Park. These reports were intended to confirm that risks are identified, reviewed, and that systems are in place to mitigate them.

Extension of Public Space Protection Orders at Burnham Beeches

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed extension of existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) at Burnham Beeches. A report from the Executive Director, Environment, was to provide a review of the effectiveness of these orders, which have been in place since 2014 and were previously extended in 2017, 2020, and 2023. The report indicated that these orders have been successful in reducing antisocial dog behaviour. The committee was asked to authorise the necessary consultation, publicity, and notification process for a further three-year extension from 1 December 2026. Any representations received during this consultation would be brought back to the committee in November for a final decision.

Epping Forest Conservation and Land Management Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee was set to consider the proposed 2026-2027 work programme for the Arboriculture, Conservation, Grazing and Grasslands, and Sports Teams. This programme aims to consolidate all planned activities for the forthcoming year, aligning them with the Epping Forest Management Strategy 2020–2030, the Epping Forest Five-year Business Plan 2025–2030, and the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) Forest 1 and Forest 2 agreements. The report detailed ongoing business as usual activities and significant strategic projects, including preparations for CSS Forest 3, a heritage feature review, and the development of a Deer Sanctuary Strategy. The programme also outlined planned work for the Arboriculture Team, focusing on managing tree safety backlogs and developing a Woodland Management Plan, as well as activities for the Grazing and Grasslands Team, including conservation grazing and grassland management. The Sports Team's routine maintenance of Chingford Golf Course and Wanstead Flats football pitches was also to be presented.

Election of Epping Forest Verderers 2027

The committee was scheduled to discuss the process for the election of four Verderers for Epping Forest, which must take place no later than 20 March 2027. A report from the Executive Director of Environment and the Election Services Manager was to outline the proposed timeline for reviewing and settling the Register of Commoners, followed by nomination meetings and, if necessary, polls. Delegated authority was sought for officers from the Town Clerk's, Comptroller & City Solicitor's, and Natural Environment departments to administer the review and settlement of the Register and the subsequent election process. The report also reiterated the committee's position to abstain from exercising Corporation proxy votes in the election, citing a conflict of interest.

Other Information Items

Several items were listed for information only, including updates on recruitment, the Landscape Recovery & Resilience (Carbon Removals Programme), and statutory biodiversity reports. Operational finance progress reports for The Commons Charities and Epping Forest for Q3 2025/26 were also scheduled for information. The committee's meeting diary and events for 2026 were also to be presented.

Non-Public Agenda

Part 2 of the agenda included items to be considered in a non-public session, relating to sensitive information concerning the remit of the Court of Common Council acting as charity trustee. These included non-public minutes, updates on Burnham Beeches & The Commons and Epping Forest, access to winter grazing land at Burnham Beeches, and proposals regarding charity funds and reserves for both The Commons and Epping Forest. A complementary land use assessment update was also scheduled for discussion.