The Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss a range of matters concerning the management and improvement of the open spaces under its remit. Key decisions included approving a feasibility study for improvements to the bathing ponds' facilities and setting fees for the Learning Team's activities. The Committee also noted reports on risk management, financial outturns, and ongoing projects across Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park.

Facilities Improvements at Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds

The Committee considered a report on the need for improvements to the changing, shower, and toilet facilities at the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. Members noted feedback and suggestions, and approved the request to carry out a feasibility study for these improvements. The study will explore options for enhancing facilities, including the provision of additional private changing areas and showers, particularly at the Ladies' Pond, and improvements to staff welfare facilities at the Mixed Pond and refurbishment of public toilets. The Committee stressed that the improvement works themselves should not be funded by the Hampstead Heath Charity, and that a fully private option for showers and changing areas should be included in the study's scope. The feasibility study is to be funded from the Natural Environment Director's contingency budget. A detailed business case and costings will be presented to the Committee in July 2026 for further consideration and approval.

Learning Team Session Fees and Charges at Hampstead Heath 2026/27

The Committee reviewed and approved proposed fees and charges for the Natural Environment Division's Learning Team activities on Hampstead Heath for the 2026/27 financial year. These fees, which have remained unchanged since 2016, will see an increase of approximately 11-12%. Fees for state schools will rise from £99 to £110 for a two-hour facilitated session, and for private schools, from £129 to £145. This adjustment aims to improve cost recovery while ensuring fees remain affordable and accessible, aligning with the charity's objectives of supporting learning and community engagement. The proposed fees are benchmarked against comparable organisations and are expected to increase annual income from £28,641 to £31,935.

Risk Management Updates

The Committee received reports on risk management for both Hampstead Heath and for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park. For Hampstead Heath, Members noted the summary of the risk register and received assurance that all risks are being managed in compliance with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. The four highest risks identified were the decline in the condition of assets, the impact of anti-social behaviour on staff and sites, work-related stress, and readiness for the Natural Environment Charity Review (NECR) implementation. For Highgate Wood & Queen's Park, Members also noted the risk register summary and received assurance on risk management compliance. The three highest risks for these areas were the decline in the condition of assets, work-related stress, and readiness for NECR implementation.

Assistant Director's Reports and Financial Outturns

Reports were received providing updates on matters relating to Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park. These reports detailed ongoing maintenance, conservation efforts, community events, and operational updates. Notably, North London Open Spaces had recently secured four Green Flag Awards and four Green Heritage Awards. Discussions also touched upon the future of the paddling pool at Hampstead Heath, with a review planned to consider its long-term viability and potential alternatives such as a splash pad, though concerns were raised about reducing the variety of water-based facilities for children. The financial outturns for Hampstead Heath and for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park for the 2025/26 financial year were also presented, indicating a slight overspend for Hampstead Heath (£93k) and a smaller overspend for Highgate Wood & Queen's Park (£16k).

Report of Action Taken

The Committee noted a report detailing decisions taken under urgency procedures since the last meeting. For Hampstead Heath, this included decisions regarding the event fee for Queen's Park Day 2026, where a fixed fee of £3,500 was agreed with the Queen's Park Area Residents Association (QPARA), along with a contribution of shared income up to 45% of estimated costs. For Highgate Wood & Queen's Park, decisions taken under urgency procedures were also noted.

Other Matters

The Committee also noted reports on the City Corporation Nature Recovery Strategy development, Heath Hands activities, and the revenue outturns for Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood & Queen's Park for the 2025/26 financial year. The Chair moved a vote of thanks to Emily Brennan, the outgoing Natural Environment Director, and the Committee resolved to place on record their sincere appreciation for her leadership and contributions over the past three years.