2019 – 23 April HLS minutes

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies from Tony Hockley – Robert Stride attended in his place

Apologies from Sonia Lorenzo Martin

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.

RS is a member of the VGS and Vice Chairman of the CDA.

Julian Glover Visit to the New Forest

AB reported that Julian Glover has finished his visits to the National Parks and we now await his report.

2020 the Ridge and Furrows project would have its own serial on the PR rather than be included in the open Habitat serial. The planned sites have been surveyed for archaeological recording and the works are due to start in the Autumn. BR requested that NW supply regular updates on projected spend to the board as the end of the scheme approaches.

Action NW

The board studied the annual health-check. JT had added very positive feedback to the report stating the HLS projects were delivering fantastic results out on the forest.

Wetland Restoration

NW reported that all sites worked last year are being visited to assess for any repairs or maintenance, as well as a number from the previous years. Sites for this year are due to be worked over the summer period.

Terrestrial Restoration

Terrestrial works carried out over this quarter have included clearance of natural regeneration on Open Habitats including successful scrub clearance at Linford Bottom. Rhododendron cut and burn and Ridge and Furrow Stump shearing.

Verge Restoration

The Verge Restoration Officer has completed works at a number of sites already this year with other projects underway including Broomy Plain, Burley and East Boldre. HCC have completed their input into the Broomy Plain verge restoration. The project is partially complete and HCC is awaiting the results of a safety audit report.

Wetland Restoration Monitoring

NW informed the board that the HLS team are currently preparing the wetland restoration monitoring delivery for the 2019 survey season to ensure it delivers on benchmark sites and establishes long term monitoring protocols. JT commented that monitoring results are important even if they indicate that it is too early to draw any conclusions. A combination of repeatable pre-survey, post –survey, 5 year and 10 year surveys will be needed to create an accurate picture and that the benchmark sites are important for comparison to the worked sites. DS felt it was important to get the monitoring results out in the public domain in a clear and understandable format. DS offered the FE communications team to assist in producing the reports. AB requested that the reports be agreed with all partners before public release.

The board studied the final report from the HLS E&I officer. MS has taken a new posting and his role is being advertised. Hilary Makin will be covering in the interim and has already been working with TW and Esta Mion on the plans for the 2019 HLS Celebration and the publicity for the HLS scheme being a finalist for the River Restoration Prize.

The board examined the report that outlines the relevant activities of the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project from the last quarter. Volunteers have undertaken practical work on the Open Forest controlling Himalayan Balsam and Pitcher Plants. Contractors have also been applying treatments in the control of Parrots Feather, Bog Arum, American Skunk Cabbage, Montbretia, Iris laevigata, Japanese Knotwood, Cotoneaster, Golden Club, Yellow Azela, Pickerel Weed and Gautheria. The board are looking forward to welcoming and thanking these volunteers at the HLS Celebration in May.

JT reported that there is still no formal position adopted for rollover of HLS agreements expiring in 2020 although the board hope to hear by May, last year confirmation was not received until August. NE are working closely with DEFRA and the RPA but the New Forest HLS agreement must meet the criteria to be offered an extension. AB requested the details of the NE contact who directly approaches the RPA. JT to supply AB the contact details.

Action JT

The board discussed the actions needed if a rollover was not agreed. The option available currently would be to apply to join the CS scheme. This has many difficulties in trying to apply it to the New Forest. The first step would be to commission a PA2 feasibility study from a specialist contractor and this could take up to a year to complete. JMS informed the board that other options are being looked at to facilitate an interim agreement until the potential launch of 2024 ELMS Schemes.

2019 - A Year of Celebration

TW updated the board on the plans for the upcoming HLS Celebration.

Replacement Fallen Stock Vehicle

The board considered an application from the New Forest Fox Hounds for a grant to replace the current Fallen Stock Vehicle (owned by the HLS and leased to the NFH). The current vehicle is coming to the end of its useful economic life and urgently needs

Meeting closed at 12.40pm.

DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

• Wednesday 22^nd May 2019 AGM – 6pm
• Wednesday 3^rd July 2019 – 9am
• Wednesday 2^nd October 2019 – 9am
• Wednesday 22^nd January 2020 – 9am