Support Grows For Warren Farm To Be Designated Nature Reserve |
Over 3,000 sign petition in first week of campaign launch
Thousands of people have joined a campaign to try and turn Warren Farm in Ealing into a designated and protected Nature Reserve. Over nine years ago football club, QPR, had earmarked the site as a preferred destination for their new training ground and opponents seeking to protect the area from development embarked on a series of legal challenges.
The plan would see Warren Farm and its surrounding meadows by the River Brent classified as a Statutory Local Nature Reserve (LNR), preserving it for future generations and they say, ensuring the protection of its rare and endangered species such as the Skylark, a red-listed bird facing UK extinction.
Ealing Council voted over a decade ago to seek LNR status for the surrounding meadows but have yet to complete this. BRCS say they are keen to work with the Council and want it extended to include a much wider area of the BRP, including the abandoned sports fields of Warren Farm. BRCS trustee and local naturalist Phil Belman said:" Our expert surveys have provided overwhelming evidence to justify the Statutory Local Nature Reserve designation.“BRCS offers our support, experience and expertise to assist Council Officers to achieve this vision and we stand ready to work in partnership with Ealing Council and all others who sign up to it.” Ealing Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and is developing its strategy in response. Campaigners say the Council should include the vision for Warren Farm and the surrounding open land, to help achieve its climate and ecological responsibilities. Warren Farm was one of the top four parks in London in the ‘UK’s Best Park 2019’ voting and was awarded ‘Much Loved’ status. We have requested comment and will update with any response from Ealing Council.
Annemarie Flanagan 13 January 2021 |