Issue - meetings

A new five-year management plan has been developed for Croxley Hall Woods, Croxley Green. The new plan contains management actions for the woodland over the next five years from financial year 2025/26 until 2030/31. The detailed actions relate to woodland management for biodiversity and improvements to public access and interpretation. The plan was considered by Members of the Climate Change and Leisure Committee on 15 October 2025. Following comments to the committee by Mr Barry Grant of the Croxley Green Residents Association, and questions from Cllr Mitchell, a member of the committee, the Chair proposed the following recommendation:

“That the committee acknowledge the officers for their work on the report and ensuring that all committee members, including substitutes, receive responses to the questions. The report will either be taken to the Policy & Resources Committee in November or returned to the Climate Change & Leisure Committee in January for further consideration”.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

Officers subsequently produced a written response to points and questions raised (Appendix 2 and 3). Officers have also provided a summary of consultation responses received and a response to the comments (para 2.1.5).

Officers are recommending that the plan is approved by the CCL committee and adopted by the Council. Should the plans be approved, Officers will seek to implement the actions within the plans over the next five years. Work will be completed within existing budgets or subject to external funding.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new 5-year Management Plan for Croxley Hall Woods

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

The Head of Leisure and Natural Infrastructure introduced the report.

Members highlighted the low response rate of 13 people in the consultation, and emphasised the importance of improving public involvement through proactive outreach, including direct contact with local groups and parish councils. Members commented on what they considered a low response to the consultation, when compared with other consultations such as parking schemes, and subsequently praised the Sustainable Transport Officer for his work in engaging with the public on the parking schemes consultation.

In response to questions on baseline ecological surveys, officers explained that they are costly and complex, and stressed that minimal intervention in woodland management is more beneficial to allow natural regeneration.

Concerns around grounds maintenance, specifically litter and bin emptying, were addressed, with a call for more empathetic communication to the public. The conversation also touched on the ecological balance of tree planting and natural light management, with a consensus on using appropriate, site-specific interventions.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Jon Tankard.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

       i.         Adopt the new 5-year Management Plan for Croxley Hall Woods

      ii.         Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.