The West Ham Park Committee met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to discuss a range of reports concerning the park's operations, finances, and strategic development. Key topics included an update on the park's management, a review of its risk management framework, and the financial outturn for the previous year.

Assistant Director's Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on matters relating to West Ham Park since the previous meeting on 30 April 2026. This report was intended to provide information on the park's operations, aligning with the strategic themes of the West Ham Park Management Plan (2025-2035). It was expected to cover areas such as volunteer work in the Ornamental Gardens, issues with graffiti and vandalism at the refurbished toilet facilities, and the progress of applications for Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards. The report was also to detail community events, including the George Irvin's Spring Fun Fair and Eid Prayers, and highlight the ongoing efforts to address anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, including the installation of additional CCTV cameras. Updates on staffing, including recruitment for a new Gardener and the Head Gardener's flexible retirement, were also anticipated. Furthermore, the report was to include an update from the City Surveyor's Department on the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) and the Planned Preventive Maintenance & Repairs programme.

Friends of West Ham Park (20th Anniversary)

A vote of thanks was scheduled to be moved for the Friends of West Ham Park, recognising their 20th anniversary. The report highlighted the significant contributions made by the Friends over the past two decades, including over 10,000 volunteer hours dedicated to supporting and enhancing the park. Their activities have encompassed litter picking, maintaining allotments, conservation work, bird surveys, tree and hedgerow planting, organising walks and talks, and supporting events. The Friends were also noted for their instrumental role in keeping the park open during COVID-19 lockdowns and for organising initiatives such as the Dr Fothergill permanent exhibition and numerous free community events.

Risk Management Update Report West Ham Park (Summary)

The committee was to be provided with an update on the risk management procedures in place for West Ham Park, ensuring compliance with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. The report was expected to detail the current risk register, which contained ten risks, with three categorised as RED, six as AMBER, and one as GREEN. Specific attention was to be given to the risks of Work related stress and Impacts of anti-social and criminal behaviour on staff and site, both of which were flagged as RED and AMBER respectively. The report was also to outline actions being taken to mitigate these and other risks, such as Decline in condition of assets and Readiness for Natural Environment Charities Review (NECR) implementation.

West Ham Park 2025-26 Outturn Report

This report was scheduled to compare the revenue outturn for West Ham Park charity in the financial year 2025/26 against the final budget for that period. It was anticipated that the report would detail an overall overspend of £377,000 for the charity compared to its final budget, representing 21.4% of the net expenditure budget. Explanations for significant budget variances were to be provided, including an overspend of £368,000 managed by the City Surveyor, largely attributed to additional expenditure on the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) and pest control. The report was also to address the potential carry-forward of local risk and central risk budgets to the 2026/27 financial year.

Natural Environment Learning Programme Report 2025-26

The committee was to receive an update on the Natural Environment Learning Programme at West Ham Park for the 2025-26 academic year. The programme aims to provide outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people, particularly those facing barriers to access, with a focus on fostering environmental awareness and stewardship. The report was expected to highlight the programme's engagement with local schools in Newham, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and young people facing challenges related to education or mental health. Participation figures for the Schools Programme, Youth Programme, and SEND Programme were to be presented, along with details of community engagement activities such as a Spooky Trail and the launch of a children's book library. The report was also to outline the programme's vision, mission, and core values, emphasizing nature connection, hope, and equity.

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 update was intended to inform the committee about the ongoing work and strategic direction for enhancing biodiversity within the City Corporation's areas of responsibility.