The Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee meeting scheduled for 12 May 2026 was set to cover a range of operational and strategic matters concerning the management and improvement of these valued green spaces. Key discussions were anticipated around the statutory biodiversity report, updates on specific park improvements, and risk management across the sites. A significant item on the agenda was the review of future access options for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, following a public consultation.

Statutory Biodiversity Report

A report from the Executive Director, Environment, was scheduled for information regarding the Statutory Biodiversity Report. This report details the City of London Corporation's compliance with its Biodiversity Duty, as required by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021. The report outlines actions taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, aligning with national targets and corporate objectives. It also includes optional information on activities undertaken in the City Corporation's broader functions, such as its role as trustee for various Natural Environment Charities. The report details strategic alignment with national and regional frameworks, policies and objectives, achievements and outcomes, and plans for Biodiversity Net Gain¹.

Hampstead Heath

Updates were expected on various aspects of Hampstead Heath's management. An Assistant Director's report was listed for information, alongside an update from Heath Hands, a charity involved in conservation and community programmes on the Heath. A risk management update report was scheduled for decision, providing an overview of risk management processes and governance for the Hampstead Heath charity.

A key item for decision was the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds Future Access Options report, jointly prepared by the Executive Director, Environment, and the Comptroller & City Solicitor. This report was to present the outcomes of a public consultation on access arrangements for the Men's Pond, Ladies' Pond, and Mixed Pond, following a Supreme Court judgment. The report was expected to recommend a preferred option for future access, alongside proposals for improvements to changing and showering facilities. The report indicated that Option 2, maintaining the current trans-inclusive operation of the Men's and Ladies' Ponds, was recommended, with proposed facility upgrades estimated to cost between £730,000 and £1.08m.

An update on Golders Hill Park improvements was also scheduled for information, potentially covering regeneration plans for the former Butterfly House and surrounding areas, with a local family foundation expressing interest in funding a feasibility study. Finally, a report of action taken concerning Hampstead Heath was to be provided for information.

Highgate Wood & Queen's Park

Updates were also scheduled for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. Assistant Director's reports for both locations were listed for information, providing an overview of recent activities and developments. A risk management update report for Highgate Wood and Queen's Park was scheduled for decision, similar to the report for Hampstead Heath.

For Highgate Wood and Queen's Park, reports of action taken were also to be provided for information.

Committee Business

The agenda also included standard committee business such as apologies, declarations of interest, and the election of a Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Draft minutes from the previous meeting of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee, as well as minutes from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee, were to be noted or agreed. The appointment of consultative committees and groups, and representatives on other bodies, was also a key item for decision.

The meeting was scheduled to move into a non-public session to discuss sensitive matters related to the City Corporation's role as charity trustee, including non-public minutes and other urgent business.