Introduction

Opened 7:30pm. Introductions were made and Clive (CC) mentioned a bi-monthly meeting with Dennis Pepper and Graham Beattie (LBB – London Borough of Barnet) to acquaint the Council with up to date wildlife matters.

Jim Rea had been invited to represent LBB at this evening’s re-launch meeting.

1. To re-launch the Friends of Totteridge Fields in conjunction with LBB

Purpose of re-launching Friends of Totteridge Fields (FTF) was primarily to obtain grants. Two meetings to be held a year and a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer elected by members were a statutory requirement of a “Friends of” group. Obtaining funds would help future management of the Fields. CC has obtained an application pack from LBB.

Proposals for Management Team: CC suggested a member from Totteridge Residents Assoc., Totteridge Manor Assoc. and Mill Hill Preservation Society should be represented. A representative of TMA had been invited to the meeting, as had Dennis Pepper and Colin Plant.

Chelle Paice (RP) suggested that members from these societies could be interchangeable when necessary. Michael Worms (MW) agreed but suggested continuity was also a benefit.

John Rogers (JR) mentioned that a previous list of some 200 members of FTF exists and that no subscription should be necessary for members.

CC was nominated and accepted as Chairman on a temporary basis while waiting for someone else to take over in due course. Liz Barrett (EB) was nominated and reluctantly accepted to serve as both Secretary and Treasurer on a TEMPORARY basis until willing volunteer(s) could be found. Proposals carried unanimously but treasurer appointment/role and funding subject to LWT Central Office ratification.

Neil Ireland (NI) clarified that FTF was a totally separate body from LWT, etc. but could assist with input of views, funding, etc to LWT’s management of the Fields. It was proposed that the list of Management Committee members should be as suggested in the draft Management Plan plus those mentioned above. NI said that one member of FTF will have representation on the discussions of the Management Plan together with LWT (1 member), etc.

Enquiries to be made re Bank Account for FTF, etc. £470 are believed to be held in the accounts of the Trust – this money has to be confirmed and released. Dianne Murphy, as Treasurer of the local Barnet group of LWT (and LWT Trustee), will need to be involved in choice of Bank and banking matters. Currently uses HSBC for local LWT account; using same may reduce charges?

CC suggested that some of the FTF funds may be used for the current need for waterproof leaflet dispensers of LWT leaflets (£7 + £2.49 postage). EB and NI indicated that would be conflict of interest and unsuitable. However, annual mowing costs, met by LWT until now, may be a suitable candidate for funding. The paths are cut by LBB; half of each of the 3 fields is cut annually with cuttings removed, paid for by LWT and costing £1500 annually.

The possibility of subscriptions was discussed. Previously membership of FTF had been on a voluntary basis with no donations/subscriptions. JR suggested possibly a £3 subscription or raising money on an ad hoc basis. MW was concerned that 3 different organisations were running Totteridge Fields. He felt that the FTF group needed to be properly organised before any subscriptions were raised.

CC mentioned that “we” are managing the Council’s land, so it would be helpful if “we” could obtain grants from the Council. We could then help LWT with funding. We could send out letters to the Friends and suggest a subscription of a minimum £5. NI thought £5 too low, would hardly cover bank fees involved in collection, and suggested minimum £10. Suggested an advert. Jenny Ellis (JE) thought a minimum of £5 more appropriate.

MW clarified that FTF was previously formed as a lobbying group (to oppose plans for a cemetery at the Fields) rather than a fundraising group as now being discussed. Thus it had required maximum numbers for an effective voice. Subscription may reduce the 200 members considerably. Do we need maximum names or maximum money now? We need to say why we need funds now. We have saved the Fields, so support may be less vocal. FTF may be in danger of becoming fundraisers for LWT, – would it be better to ask for £24 for LWT membership? CC confirmed that few of the FTF were also members of LWT, although all had been asked to join in the last two LWT Barnet newsletters.

MW to be asked to draft an appropriate letter regarding FTF to discuss with CC. NI to liaise with Kate Coss.

2. Draft 5-Year Management Plan

50 pages. Any comments to be e-mailed or sent to NI, – the quickest way of dealing with any comments/proposals.

CC: concerning the plan to graze cattle or horses to control rank grass. The Cholmeleians Sports Club drained the adjoining fields which have affected the Totteridge Fields. The ditch dug to deter travellers doesn’t deter them; they bridged it with metal ramps. However, it exacerbates the drainage problem and should be filled in. The over-dry conditions lead to spreading of thistles as well as rank grasses.

CC: a grant has been secured to re-vamp the pond (according to Angela Corbett, LBB Grants Officer). The pond would need to be fenced to keep cattle out and fencing along the footpath needed since urban people are often scared of walking paths where there are cattle or horses. The bottom Field would also need fencing and other fences checked for condition. There are two bee hives in one of the Fields; bees are not compatible with cattle.

Cllr John Hart had suggested goats. Agreed that these would be good if it were bramble to be controlled but not recommended for the Fields. Too destructive. Sheep were an alternative possibility. CC had been in touch with National Farmers Union concerning possibility of sheep grazing, as done by Waterboard and Herts & Middx WT. NI welcomed the prospect of sheep grazing, while mentioning that sheep farmers were concerned about dogs and people harrying sheep. CC suggested that the unimproved meadow grass could be attractive to the growing trend of organic farmers.

Electric fences would be supplied by farmers. NI to give advice: lookering (daily inspection) and water provision required; one field to be used for some 10 sheep for 8-10 weeks. Would be very beneficial if we could do this.

Cattle, beef cattle not diary, would need fencing for London Loop. Depends on breed of cattle. Problem with ragwort (very little present), – food plant for Cinnabars. Agreed to continue investigation re grazing. Not an easy or cheap solution. Insurance needs/costs could be high. Agreed that grazing plan would need to be managed properly. Would be “our” (LWT) responsibility.

3. Report from Neil Ireland, Heritage Reserves Officer

Currently managing 13 sites. Date for completion of contract was 31^st July but has been extended for a further 3 months due to previous delays due to weather conditions and personal issues. No new work will take place.

Totteridge Fields is one of NI’s several projects. Will oversee the annual cut. Fencing alongside the Cholmeleians’ Sports Grounds to be erected but, at their insistence, with no gate or way through. Will be completed by end October.

Pond (Milly Apthorp funding?). JR expressed concern that re-puddling the pond would destroy rare plants. NI said that rare plants would be removed under specialist supervision to re-use them. JR/NI agreed that expert supervision for plant removal and replanting was essential. Clay will have to be imported and brought across the field. CC suggested that Keith Gerrard, who had the necessary experience and knows the Fields well, might supervise.

There has been a delay on hard standing. Formal drawings were submitted but lost. Planning permission is awaited. CC asked whether hard standing for 2 vehicles could be positioned just outside the gate (the gate moved in), so that members of public could use it when walking the fields as well as the intended use by contractors/LWT. Currently there was no parking available for users of the Fields.

NI said that currently the hard standing is intended only as grasscrete off-road area for contractors, as their vehicles have become bogged down in the Fields. Suggests that CC emails him with the suggestion for public use, but is very concerned that, from experience at other sites, it would encourage fly-tipping and other abuse (burnt out cars polluting the Fields, etc.).

In view of NI’s concerns, shared by some others present, CC suggests asking LBB to create lay-by nearby to encourage visitors to the Fields (reference to Cllr Mike Freer’s forthcoming visit, – see below). EB mentions existing 2 vehicle lay-by, – apparently a lay-by for public use – between the two mansions Edgehill Manor and The Limes, short walk from the traffic lights at the corner of Totteridge Fields (near 251 bus stop).

A discussion on disabled access: very difficult to provide given the nature of the Reserve. Opposition to all-weather surfacing of paths and of the London Loop. Trade off between whether Fields are for people or for wildlife.

CC asked NI for more leaflets on Totteridge Fields.

NI retires from post at end October ’06. Heritage Lottery Fund provisions require that site continues to be managed for at least 10 years.

4. Management Plan

Species of flora needs to be updated/agreed. Roy Beddard’s list given to NI to arrange to “digitalise” data. JR/CC disagree that there has been a 60% loss of species. London Natural History Society (LNHS) to input their data.

5. Arrangements for Cllr Mike Freer’s (Council Leader) Visit to the Fields

For September 24^th at 2 pm. Teresa Villiers MP also invited. Cllr Lynne Hillan should also be invited, as she holds the portfolio for the ALG grant. ALG grant could be discussed. Who attending from LWT Central Office? Attendance  of the Chief Executive would substantially assist with ALG aspect.

Any Other Business

 i.        Tree surgery, – quotes received.

ii.         Moth evening, – very successful – 98 different moths identified plus hornet and long-eared bat.

iii.        Fireworks problem raised with Cholmeleians.

iv.        Key found in entrance to fields, – “Planeta” label, unclaimed.

v.        The narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet that has been recommended to be added to the protected species list of the Wildlife and Countryside Act is not the narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet present in the Totteridge Fields but one present in Scotland, according to JR, confirmed by NI. However, CC would like Colin Plant, as lepidoptera recorder for the area, to confirm what Burnet moths are in the field. (The 6-spot Burnet shown on the Fields’ signs and seen in previous years was not recorded in 2006; only the narrow-bordered 5-spot.)

vi.        Grants, – closer cooperation is needed so that we don’t miss out but don’t duplicate requests.

vii.        Repair of fence (Totteridge Lane) has been delayed.

viii.        Gas renovation works, – gas utility has unlimited access for safety reasons, – has been asked to remove their rubbish from entrance.

ix.        Hedgehogs are confirmed present in the Totteridge Fields.

x.        Where has Owl box been located?

xi.        Many thanks to Neil Ireland for all his work on the Fields.

Meeting closed 10:00 pm.