Stefania Horne was the first woman to take the lead role on the Heath

THE City of London is looking to recruit a new boss to run Hampstead Heath after a surprise resignation by the open space’s superintendent this week.

Stefania Horne, who had been in the role for just 18 months, told colleagues she was taking up a new job at Dacorum Council in Hertfordshire in September.

Ms Horne’s appointment was the first time a woman had been given the lead role to look after the Heath.

It came as the open space faced issues over charging to swim in the ponds, licensing dog walkers, fighting the impact of the climate crisis, overseeing long-term investment in facilities including the running track, and creating a long-term plan for Parliament Hill Fields.

In a letter to colleagues, Ms Horne said: “It has been a very difficult decision as we have built so much together, we still have lots to do, and it is a great honour to work with all of you in some of the most iconic open spaces in London. We’ve had our challenges but also ensured great quality, recognised with awards such as gold awards for London in Bloom and Green Flags.”

She added that interim cover had been arranged and recruitment for a new superintendent would begin in July.

Heath and Hampstead Society chairman Marc Hutchinson told the New Journal that the news had been shared with Heath groups over the weekend, and that there was a sense her time in charge had not run its expected course.

He said: “We were surprised and disappointed to learn of Stefania’s resignation. She has only been in post since January 2022 and, under her superintendency, we were looking forward to a new period of stability and progress in the management of the Heath following the pandemic, budget cuts, and, more recently, the plenary staff review. Stefania, who has an ecological background, was proving to be a most sympathetic, capable, and popular superintendent, and we are very sorry to see her go. We can only wish her every success in her new position.”

Ms Horne’s tenure is the shortest on record for the post.

Ms Horne with colleagues at the annual kite festival

She followed Bob Warnock, who retired in 2021 after eight years in the role. His predecessor, Simon Lee, worked for 13 years overseeing the Heath.

The Highgate Society’s Heath consultative representative, Michael Hammerson, said she had been a valued contact between Heath users and the City of London. He said, “We got on very well with her. She was communicative, supportive, and knowledgeable. We will miss her.”

Colleagues said they believed Ms Horne had made the decision partly because the new post was close to her home deciding that her future lay in Hertfordshire rather than London.

Calling her tenure a “period of transition,” Ms Horne said she was proud of how staff had responded “…to change, still maintaining business continuity and high standards.” Trees and conservation manager Jonathan Meares will take on Ms. Horne’s duties after she departs until a permanent appointment is confirmed.

She added, “I will put in some open-door sessions so that I can have a chance to discuss anything you need to discuss before my departure. It has been great working with all of you, and I will no doubt be back as a visitor to continue to enjoy our amazing open spaces.”

William Upton, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee, said this afternoon (Monday):“We are sorry to lose Stefania, who’s been a good ambassador for us and a popular colleague, working closely with our local communities, staff, and volunteers alike. I would like to thank Stefania for her hard work and dedication in protecting and conserving some of North London’s best-loved open spaces, including Hampstead Heath.

“Stefania remains fully in post for now, and our Head of Conservation, Jonathan Meares, will take up the Assistant Director post on an interim basis in September. We will start advertising for a permanent replacement shortly. Our new Director of Natural Environment, Emily Brennan, will be ensuring a smooth transition.”

Ms Horne said: “The Heath is a fantastic place to work, and it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to step down to take up a more senior role at a different organisation. I have been offered a professional opportunity that I could not refuse, but I will greatly miss my talented colleagues and the outstanding open spaces we manage.”

Ms Horne’s appointment in 2021 saw her move from Hounslow Council to take up the role, where she had overseen new business models to help make the borough’s parks better at generating income and out of the Town Hall’s direct control.