The Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss a range of matters concerning the management and improvement of Hampstead Heath. Key topics included proposed facilities improvements at the Bathing Ponds, updates on the City Corporation's Nature Recovery Strategy, and the financial outturn for the 2025/26 year.

Facilities Improvements at Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to a discussion regarding proposed improvements to the facilities at the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. The report outlined the need for upgrades to changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities across the Highgate Men's Pond, Kenwood Ladies' Pond, and the Hampstead Mixed Pond. The proposals aimed to address the poor state of repair of existing facilities and increase capacity, particularly at the Ladies' Pond, where demand reportedly exceeds current provision. The report also highlighted the intention to provide additional private changing facilities at the Ladies' Pond and enhance accessibility for swimmers with disabilities. A feasibility study was proposed to develop detailed specifications and costings for these works, with an estimated cost of £50,000 for the study itself. The potential total cost for the improvement works was estimated to be between £840,000 and £1.16 million.

City Corporation Nature Recovery Strategy Development

Officers from the Environment Department were scheduled to provide a verbal update on the development of the City Corporation's Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy is a key initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience within the areas managed by the City Corporation.

Hampstead Heath 2025/26 Outturn

The committee was set to receive a report detailing the revenue outturn for Hampstead Heath for the financial year 2025/26. This report would compare the actual expenditure and income against the final budget for the year, highlighting any variances and providing explanations for significant deviations. The report indicated an overall overspend of £93,000 for the charity compared to its final budget.

Learning Team Session Fees and Charges

A discussion was scheduled regarding proposed fees and charges for the activities of the Natural Environment Division's Learning Team for the 2026-27 financial year. These proposals aimed to balance cost recovery with the charity's objectives of maintaining accessibility and supporting learning and community engagement. The proposed fees represented an increase on current charges, with state school sessions rising from £99 to £110 and private school sessions from £129 to £145 per two-hour facilitated session.

Assistant Directors Update

An update from the Assistant Directors was planned, providing Members with information on various matters relating to Hampstead Heath since the previous committee meetings. This would cover a range of operational and strategic issues.

Heath Hands Update

A report from Heath Hands, a registered charity delivering conservation, community, learning, and wellbeing programmes across Hampstead Heath and other sites, was scheduled to be presented. This update would summarise the charity's activities and progress towards its strategic objectives.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also included the agreement of minutes from previous Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meetings held on 21 April 2026 and 5 May 2026, as well as noting draft minutes from the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee meeting on 12 May 2026. The committee was also scheduled to consider questions on matters relating to its work and any other urgent business. A portion of the meeting was designated for non-public business, including the agreement of non-public minutes and discussions on cash payments and licenses on Hampstead Heath, as well as charity funds and reserves.