Agenda item

London Borough of Barnet-Welsh Harp Management Plan

Minutes:

The Committee discussed matters arising before progressing to the Barnet Management Plan.

 

On item 7 in the minutes of the last meeting there was a follow up action for Councillor Khatri but due to the fact that the minutes were published quite late he agreed to report on this action in the next Committee.

 

Mr Cohen asked in relation to item 4 in the minutes whether there is a report that addressed the suitability of attenuating tanks and whether this measure has been effective and adequate. Councillor Khatri agreed to follow up on this point.

 

The Chairman welcomed Nathan Smith from Barratt London. Nathan stated that the tanks have been installed however, data is not available but can be collated. If data covered a 3-4 month period that would be more valuable for the next Committee.

 

 

Mr Cohen asked whether there have been any control measures around the red claw crayfish. Historically, there has been a belief that measures were not necessary.Leslie Williams clarified that there were no control measures currently in place. There is budget available currently to introduce a Kingfisher bank.

 

Mr Beddard mentioned that kingfishers are breeding in the reservoir and that he has seen people fishing there. Their evidence from regular bird watching led him to the conclusion that they are breeding successfully. He is not certain if this is territorial, they seem to be fairly well spread-out.

 

Councillor Khatri requested from Ms Williams to follow up on this point and report back to the Committee whether there is a need for these banks.  

 

Mr Beddard questioned the need for a kingfish bank since there is currently breeding. An application for a grant needs to be well-thought before submission.

Councillor Khatri suggested considering this item at a future meeting and requested that the Welsh Harp Conservation and London Wildlife Trust make their own observations and report in the next few months.  

Mr Beddard agreed to circulate in writing his observations regarding breeding.

 

Mr Williams also agreed to prepare a report with the advantages and disadvantages of having a kingfish bank and bring it to the next Committee. Mr Cohen also mentioned that crayfish is a prolific species and that is decimating other species and should not be ignored.

Ms Murphy mentioned that there is no effective control and the Canal and River Trust were going to look at that. Councillor Khatri agreed to follow up on this.

 

Mr Shepherd mentioned that when you observe on a hot day, there are thousands if not millions of crayfish.

 

Following discussion of matters arising the Chairman moved to Barnet Management Plan.

 

Ms Sawyer introduced the report which related to the Barnet Management Plan. She first referred to illegal encampments. They have identified 13 individuals during May and they have all opted to go back home. May was the last time they observed rough sleeping.

 

Mr Cohen requested whether the lead officer during these walks can report back any wrongdoing.

Ms Sawyer noted that they work with the police and monitor the park and nothing has been noted in the Welsh Harp.

 

She also mentioned that knotweed and hogweed have been treated. Mr Langdale asked whether there was going to be new fencing.

Ms Sawyer also noted that there have been new litter bins placed in the park.

 

Mr Beddard questioned whether they found those responsible for tree felling. Ms Sawyer responded that they tried to find out but this was not possible. The Chairman suggested that any concerns should be reported to Ms Sawyer who would then escalate. Ms Sawyer provided the generic email address (parks@barnet.gov.uk) for any enquiries, rough sleepers or anything suspicious and someone in the team would pick it up.  

 

Councillor Agha asked how littering was reported in Barnet and mentioned that Brent Council had an app. Ms Sawyer said that littering can be reported via call or email. The Environment Committee has also employed an agency for flytipping, litter that could also enforce fines if necessary.

 

Mr Shepherd requested that following tree works carried out that the council should pick up both trees and all chunks because these cause damage to their boats.  Alternatively that the logs and branches are secured as well as possible. However, this has an implication of increased costs if logs were to be removed from the site given the limited access at the Reservoir open spaces. Decaying wood is also a valuable habitat for invertebrates, so adds value to the Welsh Harp. Securing the wood as best as possible, rather than removing could help reduce the risks of damage to boats etc.

 

Mr Beddard asked whether anything has happened regarding mending the bridge. There are parts of the bridge missing, it looked like something had hit it quite hard. Ms Sawyer mentioned that this is a highways responsibility. Councillor Agha said that he has noticed some work signage so that there might be works for maintenance. Mr Smith agreed to check whether there is any work to assess the damage and would report back.

Mr Shepherd said that he made a note of the registration number of a very large truck which went to the nursery that barely went through and asked where this can be reported. He was advised that in the future he should note and to provide details (e.g. Company markings) and the registration number to Ms Sawyer.

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