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Tuesday, 11 July 2017

ALL FOR F#CK ALL

Here is a list of some of the main events documented in this blog with regards to development of the nature reserve at Beddington Farmlands, events which have included the work of the Beddington Farm Bird Group, the Hackbridge Neighbourhood Development Group, the London Borough of Sutton's biodiversity team, the local community, local businesses, the RSPB, the LWT, LUSH, local environmental chairty Bioregional, the Design Council (CABE), University College London, BBC Natural World, BBC Springwatch, local papers and local media,The Urban Birder, Birdwatch Magazine, BBC news, ITN news, local schools, local church members and many more organisations and individuals.

All that work (as it stands now) has amounted to fuck all due to a dictatorship by waste management company Viridor (part of the Pennon Group PLC) who have consistently defaulted on all their local environmental obligations in the past and have overseen a complete failure in the conservation management plan and development of the site for a public nature reserve. Viridor/Pennon have consistently shown blatant disregard for democracy and efforts by the social and environmental community and continuously try to manage resistance to their destruction by offering what amounts to confectionery to appease that resistance.

In the absence of a working democracy and in an environment of dictatorship by a public limited company that is answerable only to it's shareholders (so will therefore deliver minimal environmental and social investment) the local environment and the society it serves is basically completely and utterly fucked and here is the proof, a forensic dissection (follow dates and links for complete details) of how managed decline works, the precise named individuals (not named here) behind that and how systemic and fundamental change is the only answer- a change that will need, (in part), to be forced. The alternative is to allow the destruction of our democratic system which will literally lead to the end of civilisation at the hands of corporations.

2017

300617 Birdwatch magazine review of Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015
290617 Further campaign funding provided by Mark Constantine/ LUSH for Air Quality Monitoring
090617 Air Quality Monitoring Group Meeting
070617 All local parliamentary candidates issue pre-election pledges/comments regarding the future of Beddington Farmlands
030617 Several local media articles about Beddington Farmlands ahead of the General Election
010617 Beddington farmlands on BBC London news and Beddington Farmlands features as a campaigning issue for the general election
310517 Rejection of community fund applications by Viridor. Applications to develop the Ecology Park and for biodiversity improvements in Hackbridge.
290517 Beddington Farmlands in local media
280517 Viridor written warning about anti-incinerator material
100517 Stop the Incinerator Protest at Development Control Committee Meeting
030517 Viridor sacrificial crop growing well
020517 Review of Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015 on Birdguides
210417 Neighbourhood Plan final draft completed
190417 Meeting with Tom Brake and Viridor cancelled by Viridor
300317 Environmental Committee- Vote on support for replacement bridge
290317 BFBG AGM
230317 Neighbourhood Development Group meeting
220317 Meeting with CEO of Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust
210317 Locality Meeting featuring presentation of Hackbridge Plan
030317 Beddington Farmlands features in Mayor's Question Time
020317 Lake works and further volunteer conservation work
250217 Bridges demolished despite years of campaigning to protect them
240217 Conservation Science Group Meeting
190217 Challenge of Viridor public mis-information.
190117 Local conservation works
060117 Meeting with site ecologist
010117 On going bioblitz, recording and bird ringing on most days throughout year (approx 5044 hours of volunteer effort).

2016
251116 Further volunteer local conservation work
221116 New small scale access installations completed (bridge and steps)
181116 Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust event at GLA
021116 Further works to meadow habitat carried out
051016 Neighbourhood Development Group meeting
290916 Meeting with Viridor manager and new BFBG secretary
210916 London National Park City Event
130916 Visioning day for the Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust
110916 Another Viridor open day
230816 First in a series of Viridor organised public events
110816 Paradise Lost article in Linnaean Society publication
060816 Hen Harrier Day at Rainham Marshes (Beddington Farmlands refused permission by RSPB to have a publicity stand)
050816 Ecology Park Group meeting
020816 Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015 published
260716 White Stork twitch organised
300616 Stop the Incinerator Protest
260616 Associate Members Walk
230616 Neighbourhood Development Group meeting
070616 Plans for new wet grassland habitat are presented in Conservation Science Group Meeting
050616 Public Walk
040616 Further local biodiversity improvements carried out
030616 Beddington Farmlands in local media again
310516 Guest Blog on Mark Avery Blog
160516 Publicity stunts to highlight Beddington Farmlands issues
111516 Neighbourhood Development Group Public Event- Plan Consultation Engagement
040516 More meadow works are carried out
270416 More local media coverage of Beddington Farmlands issues
250416 Wandle Valley Forum AGM
240416 Associate member and Surrey Bird Club walk
190416 Some new tree planting by Viridor is completed
140416 New Conservation and Access Management Committee site visit
040416 Bird and wildlife walk
230316 Incinerator development is underway. Challenges made to Viridor's local publicity campaign on grounds of mis-information. Meeting with communications rep.
150316 Meeting with Mark Constantine's team for update on Beddington Farmlands
090316 Neighbourhood Plan goes out for consultation
040316 Conservation Science Group meeting
Early March Conservation works to lakes
240216 Neighbourhood Development Group meeting
190216 Meeting with Viridor director and Communications to discuss progress with nature reserve development
160216 Save Irrigation Bridge Campaign commences
110216 Ecology Park Group meeting
030216 Tree Sparrow crash features in Private Eye
300116 Gull Workshop
280116 Local Committee meeting
270116 Local media articles on collapse of Tree Sparrow population
200116 Beddington Farmlands features in Private Eye
080116 BBC Winterwatch feature on Beddington Farmlands

2015
291115 Local campaigners attend the Climate March in London
241115 Local Government Ombudsman Investigation concludes that conditions should be enforced at Beddington Farmlands without further delay
261115 BFBG Executive Committee Meeting
251115 Neighbourhood Development Group Meeting
051115 Attend the Anonymous march in London
041115 Meeting with local councillors about the Ecology Park
031115 Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015 published
281015 Neighbourhood Development Group Meeting
011015 Hackbridge Ecology Park Group Meeting
160915 Local authority standards committee looking into corruption involved with incinerator decision
130915 Associate Member Walk
110915 Beddington Farmlands in local media again- article about corruption involved in incinerator decision
100915 Consultation on new school commences
040915 Conservation Science Group Meeting
260815 Ecology Park Group Meeting
220815 Beddington Farmlands features in Private Eye. Meeting with anti-incinerator group.
190815 Visit by local children
100815 Hen Harrier Day 2
190715 Bird and Wildlife Walk
300615 Ecology Park Group Meeting
240615 Local Community Meeting (Meeting cancelled due to anti-incinerator hecklers)
230615 New entrance (Pocket Park project coordinated by Bioregional ) complete
210615 Public walk
070615 Associate Members Walk
260515 Wild flower strips blooming in Hackbridge- part of local biodiversity improvements
170515 London Natural History Society Botanical Group visit
140515 Beddington Farmlands in local media
060515 Neighbourhood Development Group meeting
280415 Oral Hearing for Incinerator Legal Challenge- Challenge declined
260415 Associate Members Day
180415 New Entrance to Farmlands development starts
130415 A great spring birding day
310315 BFBG Executive Committee Meeting
300315 Beddington Farmlands to feature in up coming general election campaign for local candidates
270315 Viridor funded tree planting and meadow creation
130315 Conservation work
070315 WWT Visioning Day for Ecology Park
060315 Conservation Science Group meeting
040315 Ecology Park Group meeting
210115-260115 Works to lakes and conservation work
230115 Wandle Forum Meeting
220115 BFBG AGM
130115 Ecology Park Group Meeting
070115 Neighbourhood Development Group Meeting
010115 The bioblitz, regular recording and ringing continues almost daily throughout year as usual

2014
211214 Further biodiversity improvements in Hackbridge.
141214 Associate Members Day.
091214 Rally for Nature in London.
051214 Conservation Science Group Meeting
041214 Local Committee Meeting.
021214 Beddington Farmlands new FLIKR and TWITTER set up.
281114 Application to Court of Appeal made.
201114 Bioregional 20 year anniversary event
161114 Visit by David Lindo and student group.
121114 Appeal challenge attempted
071114 Meeting with local authority.
061114 Incinerator Gets Green Light
011114 Neighbourhood Development Group Workshop.
091014-101014 BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS INCINERATOR JUDICIAL REVIEW
240914 Lush rep, Paul Morton visits Beddington Farmlands
150914 A serious of articles about up-coming Judicial Review
140914 Associate Member Walk.
050914 Conservation Science Group Meeting
210814 Beddington Farmlands on BBC London News again
210814 New Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve Facebook Page
200814 New Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve Website
180814 Meeting about new entrance on Mile Road Bridge and further enhancements
100814 Hen Harrier Day
080814 Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2013 released
050814 Meeting at Bioregional about Ecology Park/ Visitor facilities
040814 Rain gardens and signage to Beddington Farmlands completed in Hackbridge centre
030814 Beddington Farmlands on BBC News
270714 Bird and Willdife walk.
220714 Youth Offender Teams tidying up Mile Road Bridge. Team visits bi-weekly from here on for several months before being cut by local authority.
120714 Lush Day Trip. Mark Constantine agrees to partly fund Judicial Review
090714 The Story so Far: HERE
290614 Hackbridge Carnival featuring Beddington Farmlands stand.
250614 Discovery of White-letter Hairstreaks on Irrigation Bridge.
220614 Beddington Farmlands Public Walk.
170614 Judge grants permission for Judicial Review despite Sutton and Viridor's claim that the review is without merit
130614 Conservation Science Group meeting
110614 Written response to local MP statement.
040614 Viridor and Sutton Council announce they will utilise two Queen's Counsels to defend the Incinertor decision.
010614 Conservation day at Beddington Farmlands.
030514 Beddington Farmlands Bird Race Day.
270414 New Village Sign featuring birds and importance of Beddington Farmlands. Associate member tour.
250414 Witness Statement drawn up for Judicial Review
230414 Defending the Patch article in Birdwatch Magazine
110414 Meeting with Bioregional about new entrance to Beddington Farmlands.
090414 New Wildlife Garden planted up in Hackbridge
040414 More wildlife friendly planting around Hackbridge
030414 Further writing of Neighbourhood Plan.
300314 Meadow strip seeded at the farmlands.
270314 Judicial Review, Letter Before Claim sent to Sutton Council. Articles in Local Media.
090314 Bioblitz continues. Roger Booth from NHM contributes further to Beetle list.
040314 Meeting with Beddington North neighbourhood Forum rep.
280214 London Tree Sparrow Partnership Meeting
260214 Meeting with Bioregional about New Entrance to Farmlands
240214 Judicial Review Fund Raiser by the Green Party
170214 BFBG Executive Committee Meeting
100214 Further judicial review meetings
050214 BBC Natural World documentary featuring Beddington Farmlands on You tube
300114 Stop the Incinerator Judicial Review Campaign material e.g. HERE
230114 BFBG AGM
230114 Column in Birdwatching magazine by David Lindo backing Beddington Farmlands Campaign
190114 Public walk at the farmlands and visit by Judicial Review team
180114 Judicial review meeting
100114 Conservation Science Group Meeting
80114 Met Sutton Biodiversity officer

2013
071113 Incinerator Protest at Development Control Committee meeting
301013 Stop the Incinerator campaign fund raising campaign for judicial review costs commences. Various meetings and discussions with BFBG members, STI members and lawyers
261013 Further voluntary conservation work on green corridors
270813 BFBG and nature reserve promotion stand at the Carshalton Environmental Fair
250813 Local community bird and wildlife autumn walk.
210813 GLA approve incinerator proposal. Decision reported on BBC and ITN news. BFBG members interviewed.
110813 National Moth Night at Beddington Farmlands
070813 BBC London news report on incinerator (interview with BFBG members)
060813 Incinerator issue reported in national press
030813 BFBG members assist with London Borough of Sutton Bioblitz
280713 Local community bird and wildlife walk
180713 New Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2012 published
110713 Further moth trapping, entomological and botanical surveying towards species inventory
210613 BFBG discuss with local and london assembly members of the Green Party concerns regarding the incinerator
210613 Presentation at Wandle Conference to Wandle Valley Regional Park Forum and members of the Trust. 'The Sleeping Giant of London's Natural World'
080613 Neighbourhood development group carry out biodiversity improvements to Mile Road Bridge to improve entrance to nature reserve
170513 BFBG led e-campaign to encourage writing to Mayor's office to oppose incinerator
Stop the Incinerator campaign concurrently set up a petition to hand to the Mayor's office
150513 Incinerator gets permission from the local authority planning committee and is referred to the GLA for approval
060513 Further surveys (on going almost daily) for nature reserve species inventory
040513 Bird Race Day
280413 Bird and wildlife walk for the local ramblers group
270413 BFBG and nature reserve promotion stand at the LBS Biodiversity Gardens showcase event
260413 Further voluntary conservation work on green corridor improvements
240413 Planning Control Committee meeting to decide on incinerator proposal. BFBG had previously submitted three responses to the case planning officers objecting on various grounds. A decision is deferred.
160413- Local community meet with Viridor Reps to discuss s106 conditions
070413 Significant pollution incident in the Northern Lake created by debris from the landfill site polluting the lake following a storm
060413 Further voluntary conservation work including new wildflower strips. Works begin on improving Mile Road Bridge entrance to the nature reserve. Viridor plant an area of the Southern mound with trees.
210213 BBC Natural World re-run 'Un-natural history of London' featuring Beddington Farmlands
190213 Meeting with design council (CABE) to comment on NDG plans including nature reserve proposals
160213 Presentation at Bioregional regarding neighhourhood development group (NDG) proposal to develop nature reserve. 'Hackbridge, Beddington Farmlands and the Wandle Valley Regional Park'.
Meeting at council offices to discuss Biodiversity improvements between Beddington Farmlands and the Wandle Valley Regional park
Conservation Science Group meeting- no consensus to approve new version of conservation management plan with incinerator included

2012
081212- BFBG invited to the House of Lords for 'Environment and Communities Reception'
Weekly/ bi-weekly meetings in developing local neighbourhood plan and gateway to nature reserve
071112- Further volunteer conservation work on nature reserve green corridors
241012- Volunteer conservation work along nature reserve green corridors (including the planting of 2500 bulbs with the local schools)
250912- A first for Beddington- Long-tailed Skua. The 257th species recorded for Beddington Farmlands.
160912- Local community bird and wildlife walk.
120912- BFBG led e-campaign to encourage local community to oppose incinerator plans
010912- Further volunteer conservation work at reserve
290812- Local authority led phase one habitat surveys along nature reserve green corridors.
Further consultation and meetings regarding incinerator proposal.
280812- The Carshalton Enviornmental Fair- promoting wildlife photography at Beddington farmlands and highlight of concerns regarding Incinerator
200812- Jersey Tiger moth invasion
240712- Further ongoing pan species recording (as part of species inventory for nature reserve)
180712 Hackbridge Church Bioblitz- led by London Borough of Sutton as part of integrating local community with nature reserve and borough wide biodiversity green space management
130712 Further work on the London Tree Sparrow partnership and the colour ringing project
080712 Hackbridge carnival and further nature reserve publicity and promotion as part of developing neighbourhood plan to develop a gateway to the regional park and the nature reserve
040712 Hawk moths make first appearance at 'obs' moth trap
100612 BFBG and nature reserve promotion stand at the London Borough of Sutton Bioblitz event
300512 National Bee-Day with BFBG members and local conservation charity Bioregional
270512 Further voluntary conservation work- wildflower meadows and wildlife gardening
240512 Further public consultation on the Incinerator. BFBG members provide extensive feedback.
150512 Entomological lab for species inventory set up at 'the obs'
100512 Turtle Dove at the obs feeding station on the day RSPB Operation Turtle Dove is launched
050512 The Incinerator issue is a main focus of local paper reporting
280412 BFBG Bird race day
230412 Local community bird and wildlife walk
220412 Further pan species recording- this on going initiative occurring most days
060412 Local demonstration to protect Irrigation Bridge as part of an access network to the nature reserve and wider regional park
010412 The Beddington Farmlands Ringing Station (to monitor bird migration) is re-established- led by Mike Netherwood.
270312 The local authority assist in developing wildflower meadows in Hackbridge as part of integrating the nature reserve with the surrouding community
160312 I win an EU backed award for 'Environmental Excellence' lol :-)
120312 Latest in a whole series of meetings (one to two a week) working on developing a neighbourhood development plan which incorporates integration of the nature reserve and developing a gateway to the Wandle Valley Regional park. Partners include London Borough of Sutton, University College London, Bioregional and a wide range of local groups including the BFBG.
190212 Beddington Farmland Nature Reserve briefing report published by BFBG
140112 London Tree Sparrow Partnership propose colour ringing population
Viridor commence public consultation of the incinerator

2011
021111 Diverting of canal at nature reserve
191111 Hackbridge Neighbourhood Development Group, 're-visioning' day (Nature Reserve tour included)
151111 Funeral of Simon Aspinall- Beddington farmlands 'graduate', world class conservationist and founding member of Tree Sparrow conservation at Beddington.
141111 Tree Sparrows attracted to satellite feeding area (although only other side of railway)
131111 Further wildlife gardening in local community to promote integration of the reserve , the local village and the wider Wandle Valley Regional Park
270911 Meeting with Tom Brake (local MP) who agrees to lend further support the nature reserve development
180911 Local community autumn bird walk. A Pectoral Sandpiper is found. Systematic moth recording with actinic light commences from 'the obs'.
050911 Further moth trapping as part of pan species inventory recording
010911 Dewick's Plusia moth discovered. A small resident (breeding) population is the recorded case in the UK.
310811 Birdwatch Magazine review 'The Birds of Beddington Farmlands'- described as an 'Urban Birding Benchmark'
290811 BFBG and nature reserve publicity stand at the Carshalton Environmental Fair. Nature reserve supporters are added to mailing list (300+ members eventually signed up)
260811 Further voluntary (and some poorly paid) conservation work to assist Viridor in habitat management
210811 Local community autumn wildlife walk
080811 Local riots and rampaging
300711 Pan species inventory work continues
280711 Tree Sparrow feeding station is set up in satellite area to assist in wider ranging winter feeding
260711 Richard Black from RSPB speaks to BBC Radio 4 about the London Tree Sparrow Partnership
220711 A population of Common Lizards found on the reserve by ecological consultants (who later denied finding them in incinerator planning application !)
210711 Systematic moth trapping and botany recording continues
170711 London Tree Sparrow Partnership public presentation day
150711 Black Kite recorded- a first for the site
060711 British Birds publishes 1% threshold winter bird population paper. Green Sandpiper, Caspian Gull and Lesser Black Gull are 1% threshold species at Beddington Farmlands.
010711 'The Birds of Beddington Farmlands' available on i-tunes
250611 The London Tree Sparrow Partnership is set up- a partnership between the RSPB, Beddington Farm Bird Group, Viridor and MKA Ecology
160611 Natural re-generation on nature reserve produces a blaze of summer colour
200511 Local environmental charity Bioregional first attempt at taking a leading role in development of nature reserve
010511 BFBG take part in International Dawn Chorus Day and lead public tour
270411 Beddington Farmlands Pan Species Inventory begins
170411 Local community spring bird walk
090411 Local Newspaper article 'Choking on Incinerator Plans'
160311 BBC Natural World documentary making
250211 Re-generation development in Hackbridge commences
240111 Bat boxes put up on reserve
230111 Presentation at local community forum about Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve
190111 BBC Natural World documentary making
160111 Local paper article about publication of 'The Birds of Beddington Farmlands'
100111 Birdwatch Artist of the Year Szabolcs Kokay designs Beddington Farmalnds Nature Reserve logo
070111 BBC Natural World documentary making at Beddington Farmlands

2010
201210 Just a great days birding at Beddington Farmlands
181110 The Birds of Beddington Farmlands book published
111110 Wandle Valley Regional Park Forum working groups established
180910 BFBG and nature reserve publicity stand at the Hackbridge Carnival
110910 Hackbridge Forum meeting (in the previous week). Local authority led localism meeting about empowering local people into the planning system. Hackbridge chosen as a Localism front runner as part of Coalition Government Big Society initiative. Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve key feature of local planning strategy.
020910 Birdwatch article published 'Building the Reserve of the Future'
110810 Further reed bed planting on Southern Lake
080810 Local community early autumn bird walk
070810 Photograph of controversial Glaucous-winged Gull at Beddington Farmlands wins British Birds Karl Zeiss Award
030810 Further voluntary conservation work
220710 Reed Bed Planting on Southern Lake
090710 New Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve newsletter is launched
200610 London Natural History Society Botany group conduct botany survey
180610 BBC Springwatch featuring Beddington birders is televised
060610 Wandle Festival Weekend- Festival to promote the Wandle Valley Regional Park (Beddington Farmlands forms the core of the Regional Park)
150510 Beddington Birders and the Urban Birder take part in Springwatch and the Oystercatcher Bird Race
060510 Local newspaper article on migration studies at Beddington Farmlands/ Greater London
020510 Pacific Golden Plover at Beddington Farmlands- the first in London for over 100 years
280410 Wandle Valley Regional Park Conference- workshop featuring Beddington Farmlands
250410 Local community Spring bird walk
210410 BBC Documentary making about wildlife in London- featuring Beddington Farmlands
180410 Local Paper Article 'BBC Migration Studies at Beddington Farmlands'
070410 BFBG team up with Tower 42 Bird Study Group for media campaign
270310 Local Newspaper article 'Outrage to Build Incinerator on Local Nature Reserve'
260310 BFBG join Tower 42 Bird Study Group (Urban Birding Promotion Campaign by David Lindo)
240310 Conservation volunteer day with BFBG members, MKA Ecology and Viridor
230310 Local Community produce own newsletter- Beddington Farmlands to be a key aspect to future of local area from outset
210310 Bird walk for London Natural History Society members led by Derek Coleman- one of up to six a year of these visits
180310 Local paper article about sustainable village plans (and integration with nature reserve)
160310 Further public wildlife garden planting at 'the obs'
150310 RSPB senior officials visit site to discuss their involvement in Nature Reserve development
150210 New mailing list for supporters of Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve set up
110210 Local meeting to plan local improvements to integrate local neighbourhood to nature reserve
090210 News of Incinerator proposal is leaked
260110 New feeding station for public viewing established at obs
210110 BFBG join local Neighbourhood Development Group to champion nature reserve development
170110 Lapland Bunting twitch- BFBG open site and manage twitch
140110 Local paper article on winter wildlife at Beddington Farmlands

2009
241209 Roger Browne publishes first of many on line Beddington Farmalnds photo gallery
221209 Wildlife documentary filming at Beddington Farmlands
131209 Winter birding public tour
091209 Wildlife garden planting carried out at 'the obs'
261109 Local paper article published
181109 Interview with local paper about Beddington Farmlands and future nature reserve plans
311009 BFBG stall at the Croydon RSPB fair
041009 Local community tour led by 'The Urban Birder', David Lindo
130909 I purchase property ('the obs') overlooking site with aim of being in a prime position to increase monitoring, campaigning activity and also green improvements connecting nature reserve with village and River Wandle
190809 Beddington Farm Bird Group reviews aims and objectives and re-organises
120709 Public tour of Beddington for local people- the first of many tours aimed at educating local people to the importance of the site and future plans to develop a public nature reserve
220609 David Lindo, 'The Urban Birder' visits Beddington as a champion of a major urban nature reserve for South London
020509 Patchwatch- BFBG support and donate to Birdwatch campaign for Azores Bullfinch
010409 G20 Protests in London attended
250309 Blog debate about the plight of Beddington with RSPB staff

2008
151208 BFBG Voluntary work clearing North Lake to assist Viridor in habitat management

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015

Here's an on line version of the 2015 Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report with most recent published data on the declines of wildlife at the farmlands. Beddington Farmlands is one of the most studied ecological communities in the country.

The Beddington Bird and Wildlife Report is compiled using data from various sources:

a) BFBG member sightings and co-ordinated counts which are conducted on a near daily basis.

b) Ornithological Survey Reports conducted by MKA Ecology Ltd commissioned by Viridor.

c) BTO and partners coordinated Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS, CBS) and Wetland Bird Surveys

(WEBs) carried out by Derek Coleman and BFBG members.

d) Ringing Effort results by Mike Netherwood and the Beddington Farmlands Ringing Station

e) Regular Moth trapping by Peter Alfrey from the ‘obs’ and occasional additional moth trapping

by Derek Coleman and others

f) Bat surveys conducted by MKA Ecology Ltd, commissioned by Viridor

g) Habitat surverys conducted MKA Ecology Ltd, commissioned by Viridor

h) Results from the London Tree Sparrow Partnership

Records are submitted for compilation into regional recording schemes organized by:

1) London Natural History Society

2) Surrey Bird Club

3) British Trust for Ornithology

4) British Bird Rarities Committee

5) Biological Records Centre

6) Ebird

Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2015 by Peter Alfrey on Scribd

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

The Battle For Beddington; The Story So Far (in Pictures)

PROTECT BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS NATURE RESERVE

STOP THE INCINERATOR

Back in 2008 plans were advancing to build an Incinerator somewhere in South London with Beddington Farmlands being targeted as a potential site. Beddington Farmlands at the time was being restored to a nature conservation area (Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve) within the heartland of the Wandle Valley Regional Park. The restoration programme was being delivered by VIRIDOR in partnership with the local authority and conservation/community groups. The reserve development was due to be a flagship to community partnership delivering a major multi-functional resource in South London for people and nature, providing conservation habitat, amenity, education and health benefits for the local community ; an exemplar of business, local authority, local community and conservationists working together.

Nature Reserve supporters were already frustrated by the delays to delivering the nature reserve and also by conservation targets being missed with an apparent priority being given to business interests over community and conservation interests so when word got out about the incinerator.....' The Battle for Beddington' commenced.

Short-eared Owl- The Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve mascot. The re-colonisation of Short-eared Owl to historical levels will be a good indicator of the success of the reserve development. (pic by Roger Browne)

2009

David Lindo 'The Urban Birder' describes Beddington Farmlands as 'The Sleeping Giant of London's Natural History World' and becomes a champion for the Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve MORE HERE and HERE

I purchase a property ('The Beddington Obs') overlooking the reserve to undertake the most extensive biodiversity survey of the area to date and to co-ordinate the campaign

The first of a series of local newspaper articles

A publicity campaign aimed at promoting the reserve development is commenced involving regular public walks, exhibitions at local fairs, newspaper articles, websites and blogging.

2010

RSPB officials visited in March 2010 which led to the official partnership with the reserve development and the RSPB through the 'London Tree Sparrow Partnership' which was set up the following year

Tree Sparrow - Beddington's iconic species

The Incinerator goes public in March 2010

As part of the publicity campaign Beddington Farmlands birders and naturalists joined forces with David Lindo, London Wildlife Trust reps and other London conservationists in several London-wide nature focused publicity events including the Tower 42 Migration Watch, Oystercatcher Bird Race for BBC Springwatch and also in the BBC Natural World documentary 'The Un-Natural History of London'.

In autumn 2010 Reed Planting was carried out as part of the restoration involving the local bird group and local businesses

An article in Birdwatch in September 2010 was published

2011

The Birds of Beddington Farmlands is published in early 2011. the site's complete avifuana to provide a historical record and a conservation and publicity tool for the nature reserve

Birdwatch magazine describes the Birds of Beddington as an 'Urban Birding Benchmark'

Local Paper on the new book

Publicity events continued through 2011 including International Dawn Chorus Day

The bird group stand at the Carshalton Environmental Fair was popular. Over the next few years over 350 nature reserve supporters joined the Beddington Farmlands mailing list and attended public walks. Guided tours for local councillors, meetings with the local MP and partnership with other local community groups was also carried out.

Richard Black from the RSPB on a public event about the London Tree Sparrow Partnership

Local botany expert Peter Wakeham. Extensive works to detail a complete species inventory of the site was well underway. Full pan-species lists will be publicly available here BIODIVERSITY

2012

Public Protest in April 2012 for access to Beddington Farmlands.

Employees from local environmental charity BIOREGIONAL taking part in National Bee Day. Public engagement events continued through the year.

The biodiversity inventory continues through the year.

Beddington Farmlands becomes a major part of the local community Neighbourhood Plan with the community goal to become a major gateway to the nature reserve and one of the most bio-diverse areas in South London.

Local council biodiveristy officers working on biodiversity improvements in the local village Hackbridge- which aspires to be a major gateway to Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve and the Wandle Valley Regional Park.

The year ends with a reception at the House of Lords celebrating success at 'The Environment and Communities Reception' with local conservationists, community members and local politicians hosted by Lord Tope.

2013

Biodiversity improvements in Hackbridge begin to take shape- enhancing and creating green corridors to link Beddington Farmlands with the local communities

Works are carried out to improve the access to the farmlands on Mile Road Bridge

In April 2013 the Development Control Committee meet to approve the Incinerator plans. A decision is deferred to the GLA and the Secretary of State. Nature Reserve Supporters resist the application on grounds of un-mitigated biodiversity loss, applicants past failure to meet conservation targets, blight on the landscape of the nature reserve and un-mitigated damage to the Wandle Valley Regional Park. Other campaigners resist on grounds of better alternative technology to waste incineration, air pollutions risks and other environmental concerns. Despite the resistance which is supported by leading conservation bodies and all the local social and environmental groups - the decision is approved and bull-dozed through all the concerns confirming state-sanctioned business interest prioritization . Campaigners move towards judicial review on the decision. MORE HERE and Protest video HERE

Public walks continue through the year (pic by Roger Browne)

Nature Reserve publicity campaigns continue through the year- this one at the Wandle Valley Regional Park Forum

A new annual report 'The Birds and Wildlife of Beddington Farmlands' is launched which develops the earlier Beddington Farmlands Bird Report to cover wider biodiversity. Viridor kindly funded the production.

2014

EXTINCT? - Due to restoration delays, failure of conservation targets and loss of tree habitat on site Beddington Farmlands iconic species the Tree Sparrow undergoes a dramatic and sudden population crash. Only one pair return to breed in summer of 2014- from a peak of nearly 1000 birds present in July 2007.

Birdwatch article about the threat to Beddington Farmlands and the Judicial Review. Various fund raising events to raise money to support the JR were on-going MORE HERE and re-work of article for local news source HERE

As part of the local community aspiration to become a major gateway to the Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve a new town sign is created featuring birds (and the Beddington Short-eared Owl) as the local village mascot.

Restoration works continued at the farmlands including the planting of 2000 trees on the southern mound.

A wildflower meadow by the bird hide- part of a whole series of habitat improvements by local community members.

Public walks, local fairs, promotion, campaigning, conservation, monitoring and further development of the species inventory continued through the year (despite the looming incinerator issue and delay in the restoration programme).

Local Green Party leader Shasha Khan files for judicial review of the Incinerator decision and in May 2014, the review is granted permission by the High Court. The hearing should take place sometime in October 2014. MORE HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE

July 2014- Mark Constantine, owner of High Street chain LUSH kindly agrees to provide vital support for the cause MORE HERE

THE FUTURE?.......

Is it possible to deliver a premier urban nature reserve at Beddington Farmlands, an exemplar of business, local authority, local community and conservationists working together?......time will tell, hope so.

STOP THE INCINERATOR

BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS NATURE RESERVE

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

The London (Ex-) Tree Sparrow Partnership update

Had an interesting meeting last week with the objective to come up with a response to the current extinction of our tree sparrow population (there have been zero birds on site for about three weeks now- the final nail in the coffin was the floods flooding out our bird feeders and then the local thieves stealing the new feeders we put out) .

A few pairs might come back in the summer to breed so the plan is a cunning multi pronged mission to bring them back from the brink of extinction.

1. Clean the feeders more regularly to ensure we are not inadvertently killing them from concentration of pathogens at the feeding stations (unlikely as precautions are already taken)
2. Replace the feeders with second hand feeders that don't look like they can be flogged on e-bay by the local thieves
3. Maintain the summer feeding at the feeders at the three feeding stations on site
4. Plant a sacrificial crop to be ready for landscape scale feeding through the coming winter as part of the current restoration
5. Rotorvate areas of the mound to generate growth of pioneering plant species which are associated with Tree Sparrows natural food plants e.g. fat hen, mugwort, black meddick etc
6. Minimise the disturbance through ringing and monitoring this year to ensure there is no unnecessary stress on the critically vulnerable few remaining birds (if any return)

If the plan is implemented then I think there is a pretty good possibility that all is not lost.

The London Tree Sparrow Partnership
Birdwatch Magazine report on Beddington Tree Sparrows

Excellent summary of situation by Steve Gale : Beddington Tree Sparrows RIP

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