Steering Committee Update January 2026

The Steering Committee met on 21 January 2026 to review finances, volunteering activity, governance matters and current work across the woodlands and gardens.

The 2025 annual accounts were presented and accepted, showing a closing balance of £15,984.55, most of which is held in designated funds. The accounts will now be externally verified. Membership remains healthy at around 582 members, and plans are in place to present proposed constitution updates for approval at the AGM on 17 March.

Volunteering continues to go from strength to strength. By the end of 2025 there were 95 active volunteers, with strong retention and growing interest. Early 2026 has seen an unusually high level of new enquiries. Total volunteer hours increased significantly compared with 2024. A £500 budget has been approved for additional tools and equipment to support the growing number of volunteers at conservation and litter-picking activities.

Governance updates included discussion of two minor email data breaches, both of which were quickly contained and did not require formal reporting. A refreshed constitution, combining the original document with a 2018 update, revising meeting deadlines and updating governance best practice will be presented at the AGM. The appointed via email of Dan Adams as an Ordinary Committee member was formally recorded. The Health and Safety Coordinator role remains vacant.

Updates were shared on a wide range of conservation activities, including woodland restoration, coppicing, path maintenance, meadow management planning, and water management. In Jackwood and Shepherdleas, work has focused on improving conditions for woodland flowers, protecting paths and entrances, and managing vegetation. Coppiced materials continue to be reused across the site and for river restoration projects.

Future plans for the woodland gardens include exploring an annual celebration event, reconsidering entry into London in Bloom, and addressing structural issues revealed on the Jackwood House terrace.

A planning update noted amendments submitted to reduce the height of the proposed Shepherdleas development.

Health and safety matters included one minor incident requiring no further action, and initial exploration of non-certificated first aid awareness training. Other business covered event leadership arrangements, possible pond debris clearance, and an urgent call to respond to the Local Plan consultation.

The next Steering Group meeting will be held on 4 March 2026 if required for AGM business, with the AGM scheduled for 17 March 2026.