Brockley campaigners save woodland that is ‘cathedral to biodiversity’
An ancient woodland – described as a ‘cathedral to biodiversity‘ by the London Wildlife Trust – has been rescued from extinction.
Local charity the Fourth Reserve Foundation helped secure more than £116,000, which will be spent on a compulsory purchase order, and spare it from developers.
Last year marked 100 years since the woodland, at the end of Courtrai Road in Honor Oak Park, was declared a park for the communities of Deptford and Lewisham.
But in 20 years under the ownership of a property developer the site has fallen into neglect.
The three acres of land is a rare remnant of the Great North Wood where 400-year-old trees can be found, as well as protected and endangered species including hedgehogs, toads and ancient hedgerows.
Two years ago, the Fourth Reserve Foundation and community campaigners began raising money to buy the land. They had until the end of January to raise the necessary £100,000 for the compulsory purchase order.
Lewisham council has agreed to put forward the compulsory purchase order on behalf of the community, now that the target has been met.
Matthew Frith, of the London Wildlife Trust, a director of conservation, described this and all ancient woodlands as “cathedrals of biodiversity,” adding: “You wouldn’t knock down a cathedral to build a modern house – you lose all the intricacy and complexity that has built up over millennia.”
A council spokesman said: “We are looking to improve the planning protections for this site by designating it as Metropolitan Open Land in our new draft Local Plan, which would prevent inappropriate development such as housing from taking place.
“Following the recent fundraising campaign, we will be working with the local community to explore the next steps for this important piece of land.”
Pictured top: Pupils from Elfrida Primary School in Bellingham, who supported the campaign (Picture: Fourth Reserve Foundation)
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