Over the last few weeks it has arrived in a flush of blossom, bright against clear blue skies.
Spring is here, and the Heath is beginning its annual transformation.
With the warmer days comes a renewed hum of activity.
Bird nesting season is well underway and, if you look closely in the ponds, clusters of frog and toad spawn are beginning their quiet countdown to life.
Across the Heath, the team is busy preparing sports pitches, delivering conservation work and surveying wildlife, supported as always by our dedicated Heath Hands volunteers.
Reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies will all be recorded and monitored, helping us build the long-term picture of the Heath’s changing ecology.
This time of year also calls for a little extra care from all of us – especially those on two wheels.
With more walkers, picnickers, families, dogs and wildlife sharing the paths, cyclists are reminded to stick to designated routes, keep speeds low and always give way to pedestrians.
I also wanted to update you on the cafés that serve the Heath.
Many of you will know that the City Corporation, as trustee of the Hampstead Heath charity, has had to begin possession proceedings through the County Court against Hoxton Beach, which continues to occupy our Parliament Hill Lido café despite receiving formal notice to end its tenancies at will on February 2, and the legal requirement to vacate.
This is not action we have wanted to take.
Every pound spent on legal disputes is a pound we cannot spend on picking litter, maintaining facilities, conserving nature or funding the Hampstead Heath Constabulary.
However, our remarketing process was open, competitive and lawful, attracting 30 bids.
By refusing to leave the various premises, Hoxton Beach is preventing the successful operators, Daisy Green and Cosmin, from beginning their fit-outs and delivering the planned improvements.
I hope you enjoy visiting the Heath this spring and take full advantage of the season of renewal.
- Alderman Gregory Jones KC is chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee.
