The Heath & Hampstead Society fights to preserve the wild and natural state of the Heath; to maintain the character and amenities of Hampstead; and to promote the study of local history, natural history and conservation.
The Springett Lecture: Constable and Hampstead Heath
Thursday 25 October at 8 pm (doors open 7.30), Burgh House, New End, Hampstead
This year’s Springett Lecture will be delivered by contemporary British painter Lindy Guinness. Throughout her career as an artist she has been fascinated by the long tradition of ‘plein air’ painting and one of the artists she has always studied has been John Constable whose sketches, done on the spot, have been a starting point for so many journeys of observation during her life. This lecture use this knowledge and explore Constable’s passion for Hampstead Heath and its changing moods, which throughout his later life was to become not only his home, but the motif he knew and drew and painted. Hampstead Heath was inspiration for some of his best, most intimate and loved works.
Society thrilled that Neighbourhood Plan voted in.
After years of hard work and hours spent consulting, meeting and drafting, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Plan has been voted in by an overwhelming majority. 91.5% voting in favour on a 20.5% turnout. The final step is for Camden to formally adopt the Plan, which could take a few months; meanwhile the plan carries substantial weight and should be referred to in planning decisions.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE
You”ll find a brand new interactive map of the Heath to help you find your way should you want to know where you are and, as we build up its contents, enrich your knowledge of not only the Heath’s facilities but also its many facets: ecological and historical.
Stunning new imagery by Matt Maran built into the site showcases the beauty of the Heath. There’s a new members only area, and the facility to join and pay on-line. It is also configured to automatically resize however you choose to view it. And this is only the beginning,the new platform allows us to explore many new ways to fulfill our historic aim of safeguarding the heath.
Society battles to save Heath plot from development.
Land left by Harry Hallowes, the so-called Hermit of Hampstead Heath, is in danger of being bought by developers. The charities to whom Harry left the land that he squatted for twenty years have decided to auction it to the highest bidder. Despite Harry’s known wishes that the land be left in its wild and natural state.
Harry’s plot is completely surrounded by the Heath. The Society is bitterly disappointed that the vendors of the plot have rejected a generous purchase offer made by the City of London, financially supported by the Society. Although strict covenants and planning laws prevent the plot being used except as a garden, there is always a risk that, if the land remains in private hands, it will become subject to attempted development, greatly to the detriment of the surrounding Heath.
The Society regards the plot as a natural part of the Heath, and feels very strongly that it should be publicly enjoyed as part of the Heath proper.
Next Guided Walk
Trees of the Heath
From protecting, beech, oak and wild service trees, centuries old survivors of ancient hedgerows, to clearing invasive sycamore saplings that would turn the Heath into a woodland in a generation: looking after the Heath's trees isn't easy. Discover how David Humphries, Tree Management Officer for Hampstead Heath meets the challenge of managing the 20,000 trees of the Heath for safety, wildlife conservation, pests and disease.
Date: Sun 04 Nov, 2018
Time: 10:30 am
Duration: 2 hours
Meet at: The Bandstand, Golder's Hill Park
Walk led by: David Humphries
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Plaques in Hampstead
