Agenda item

The Chair introduced Ben Watt from Future Habitats – new initiative by cool oak aimed at restoration projects at the welsh harp, some doable by guided volunteers and some with funding. To improve wetland and flood resilience and installation of dead hedges. Each project is accompanied by a detailed map showing the scope of works. A good launch and good interest this month and CEO of canal and river trust has given good feedback.

Brent is also a national lottery funded priority area. All encouraged to look at the website cook oak. About people, mental wellbeing in cared for greenspaces and in an era of climate change it is about heatwave relief, a sponge in rainfall. All is very crucial.

Manfred Starkl highted the importance of ensuring the public know exactly where they can canoe on the Welsh Harp and suggested some clear signage to highlight this. Judy Shepherd agreed and suggested that the organisations who support the Welsh Harp could put information on their websites also to make this clear to those planning on using the facilities.

Manfred Stakrl also highlighted the issue of stuck sailors of the reservoir and requested a further conversation to discuss his request that a section of the harp should be kept as a training area. He also asked for the owners of the land to be responsible for necessary signage and not the environmental groups. 

Leo Batten asked for an update on Barratt and The Chair noted she would like to look at the impacts of what has already been decided before a wider update would be given to the Board.

Dale Langdon highlighted the recent problems Hendon Rifle Club has faced in relation to large numbers of dogs being walked which is causing worry for some children using the Welsh Harp. Mr Gunyon advised that Barnet currently do not have restrictions on the number of dogs that can be walked, however Brent has a restriction of 4. He continued that there is nothing in the bi law to restrict numbers however this is currently being looked at by the Barnet Community Safety and Licensing Teams. Mr Gunyon advised he would bring an update to the next meeting.

ACTION: MR GUNYON

Neil Earnshaw gave a brief update on the Welsh Harp joint vision and noted that most members were aware that landowners have been developing a vision which has been been ongoing for the last year. The joint vision includes vegetation clearance work, hydro graphic surveys, and other key pieces of work. Neil commented that he had met with the National Lottery and the reservoir will qualify as a priority area for funding, so he is exploring this. There is a review session on the visionary document scheduled for 18^th August where everything included will be discussed, including improving signage around the Welsh Harp Looing at improving signage also.

Leila Taheri noted that the Environment agency was not in attendance and would like an update on the trash screens as there is an ongoing issue with these. Neal Hider from the Environment Agency was in attendance however advised that the main issue with this is the public putting rubbish into the river in the first instance. Neal confirmed he would make contact with colleagues and an update will come to the next meeting and would make contact with Leila on this issue.

ACTION: NEAL HIDER

Fly tipping was also raised and it was agreed that an update on this issue from both Barnet and Brent would come to the next meeting, in particular enforcement and prosecution. The Chair noted that CCTV was high on the agenda for the new Labour administration in Barnet, and would discuss this with the Chair of the Communities, Leadership & Libraries Committee, Councillor Sara Conway for a further update. 

ACTION: CORINNA DEMETRIOU