2019 – 2 October HLS minutes

Summary

AI generated summary

Minutes from the HLS Board meeting on 2 October 2019 record discussions and decisions on managing New Forest conservation work and funding. The board agreed to produce a non-technical end-of-term report celebrating achievements and noted that the 2018 accounts were approved and signed. Project planning reviewed likely 2020 work if the scheme ended in February 2020, with emphasis on terrestrial restoration and lower-than-expected wetland repair costs. The budget was adjusted to reflect rising costs for bracken spraying and forage harvesting. Updates covered wetland restoration progress at Pondhead and other sites, planned ridge and furrow removal (about 25 hectares), and verge safety works at Broomy. Species survey reporting continued, including encouraging spider survey results and a request to share a draft breeding wader report. Engagement activities, partner project updates, LiDAR data deposition progress, and potential scheme roll-over status were also noted, along with actions and future meeting dates.

Download PDF Download PDF Contact us for other formats Contact us for other formats

Document Viewer

Official Verderer

Lord Manners

Verderers of the New Forest

THE QUEEN’S HOUSE

LYNDHURST

HAMPSHIRE

SO43 7NH

Telephone: 023 8028 3134

Fax: 023 8028 3101

4^th October 2019

MINUTES OF THE HLS BOARD MEETING HELD ON 2^nd October 2019

Voting Members

Lord Manners (OV) Official Verderer – Verderers of the New Forest (Chairman)
Bruce Rothnie (DS) Deputy Surveyor – Forestry England
Alison Barnes (AB) Chief Executive – New Forest National Park Authority

Non-Voting Members

Jenny Thomas (JT) Lead Adviser New Forest - Natural England (NE)
Tony Hockley (TH) CDA Representative

In Attendance

Tina Woodley (TW) VGS Administrator
Nick Wardlaw (NW) HLS Contract Manager – Forestry England
Sonia Lorenzo-Martin (SLM) Head of Planning and Environment – Forestry Commission

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

All present

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

OV is Chairman of the VGS Management Committee.

AB declared an interest in all Wetland Restoration projects because of the NPA’s responsibilities as local planning authority.

TH is a member of the VGS and a committee member of the CDA.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

End of Term Report

DS enquired on the status of the end of term report. The board agreed to have a non-technical report produced to celebrate the achievements of the current agreement. TH to supply the details of the company the CDA has been using to assist with the writing.

Action: TH

2018 Statement of Accounts

TW reported that the Statement of Accounts for 2018 have now been approved by the board and signed by the OV.

PROGRAMME AND SUMMARY

The board studied the current programme register and projected programme of projects for 2020 if this was to be the end of the agreement. NW reported a big push on terrestrial restoration and that the actual spend on repairs to wetland restoration projects was less than anticipated. JT informed the board that Holly pollarding within ancient woodlands was needed across the forest to protect rare lichens and could be considered as a project if the HLS is rolled over. The board discussed the increasing cost of bracken spraying and forage harvesting and agreed to adjust the budget to cover this rise. NW informed the board that the reporting on this season’s species surveys was underway. It was requested NW to circulate the draft report on breeding waders to the board when it becomes available. A discussion followed on national statistics, global climate change and the potential for the New Forest to buck the trend in species decline. The board studied a draft of the executive summary for the New Forest Spider Survey that was undertaken in 2018.

The results were very encouraging with 119 species of spider being recorded across all study sites. This represents just under half the known species previously recorded. The surveys in 2018 have added an additional 17 species; of which four are entirely new to the New Forest. The assemblage of so many key species is suggestive that this is of national significance. It was recommended that the results of the survey could be incorporated in a media campaign to coincide with Halloween.

The board discussed the potential underspend if the scheme came to an end in Feb 2020. AB requested that officers supply a plan to the board on what can be delivered in 2020 if a roll over is agreed.

FE UPDATE

The board studied the report supplied by the FE for the summer 2019 period.

Wetland Restoration

The board had visited the Pondhead site before the board meeting and discussed the progress of the works in that area. NW reported on the repairs and maintenance that had taken place over the summer at a number of restoration sites.

Terrestrial Restoration

NW reported that the ridge and furrow work is about to commence with 3 contractors being awarded the contract. Approx. 25 hectares of ridge and furrow removal is planned for this Autumn. The publicity surrounding the short-term effects from projects was discussed and it was agreed that more research may be needed for future information and schemes.

Verge Restoration

NW reported that Hampshire Highways are due to commence work on the white lines and passing places at Broomy this week. The HLS team will then install the remaining dragon’s teeth and adjust the existing ones. The gorse on the bend is also due to be cut back to assist with motorists vision.

Wetland Restoration Monitoring

AB asked about the results of this seasons monitoring. NW answered that the narrative is being worked on at present.

Action: NW

ENGAGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OFFICER WRITTEN UPDATE

The board studied the report from the Communications Manager that detailed the work undertaken on engagement this quarter. This included a report on the New Forest Show and the progress of the Year of Celebration and Wildlife Campaign. TH informed the board that there is a plan to integrate communications by having joint working between the HLS and the HLF. TH also added that the upcoming Wetland Week was being supported by the CDA as well as other partners.

HIWWT WRITTEN UPDATE

The board was again amazed at the continued work of this project as detailed in the report supplied.

NFLAS WRITTEN UPDATE

The board discussed the report from the LAS and commented on the importance of their work in assisting and educating New Forest land owners. AB noted she would like to see the LAS on a firmer footing for funding for the future.

LiDAR WRITTEN UPDATE

The update from the LiDAR Officer was studied and AB updated the board on the progress of the LiDAR deposition with the ADS.

FUTURE NEW FOREST ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME UPDATE

JT confirmed that the New Forest is on the short list for a potential roll over. The final decision from the RPA may not be released until the end of the year.

AOB

2020 HLS Board Dates

TW to propose dates for remainder of 2020 meetings and circulate for approval to the board.

Action: TW

Julian Glover Report

The OV commented that the recently published report from Dr Julian Glover on the State of the Parks included many positive references to the New Forest.

Meeting closed at 12pm

DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

Wednesday 22^nd January 2020 – 9am

Delegated Actions to

Name	Initials	Role
Tony Hockley	TH	CDA Representative
Tina Woodley	TW	VGS Administrator
Nick Wardlaw	NW	HLS Contract Manager – Forestry England