Issue - meetings

A new ten-year management plan has been developed for Pond Wood, South Oxhey. The new plan contains management actions for the woodland over the next ten years from financial year 2026/27 until 2036/37. The detailed actions relate to woodland management for biodiversity and improvements to public access and interpretation. The plan has a focus on the long-term management of numerous veteran Hornbeam trees which are a particular feature of Pond Wood. These veteran trees require careful, phased management to ensure they continue to thrive and do not go into decline.  The aim of the plan is also to identify younger Hornbeam trees, which are suitable to start as new pollards. 

Recommendation

That:

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

·        Adopt the new 10-year Management Plan for Pond Wood

·        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 Principal Trees and Woodlands Officer presented the report.

Members inquired whether there was any funding available for the management plan. The officer advised that there is no external funding available at the moment but they will explore different options. There is a small management plans budget, which officers can utilise but it is very limited.

Members praised the level of detail in the report and emphasised the importance of biodiversity in the district. Concerns were raised regarding a footpath not being included in the management plan, as public access is important. It was suggested that a social value indicator should be done for projects such as this to add a community wellbeing space. The officer responded that the footpath had been considered, however it is not feasible for it to be included in the plan at this point due to financial constraints. In addition, officers were mindful of the damage and disturbance to wildlife that the construction of a footpath would cause.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report. 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:

• Adopt the new 10-year Management Plan for Pond Wood
• 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.