I had the opportunity to visit Beddington Farmlands today to check on the progress being made and hear more about the ongoing projects to protect the unique local wildlife.
As part of the Beddington incinerator's operating company's (Viridor's) obligations, they are undertaking a restoration of the Beddington Farmlands site in accordance with its planning permissions into a mosaic of grassland and wetland habitats for long-term environmental benefit.
Following the concerning events last year where low water levels in the wetlands meant that nesting endangered birds had been vulnerable to attacks from foxes, I have continued to hold Viridor to account over the delivery of the Beddington Farmlands. I was pleased to see that great progress has been made, including new fencing to keep the foxes out and the development of the wetlands for our fantastic wildlife to enjoy.
As well as this, I had the opportunity to see an example of what the cycle and foot path will look like and walked up to the highest point of the Farmlands. Once completed, this will provide residents with a fantastic view across the constituency, including our amazing St Helier Hospital, and will even provide views of the Shard and central London. I was concerned, however, to see that the fantastic bird hides which have been installed are falling victim to frequent vandalism and anti-social behaviour. This is unacceptable not only for the many residents who wish to use the bird hides, but also for the surrounding wildlife and I will be taking this up with the Police and the Council to see what more we can do to make this area safe.
Whilst the positive update I received is greatly appreciated, I will not take my finger off the pulse from Viridor and Sutton Council over the delivery of the Farmlands or the Beddington incinerator; which continues to be a cause for concern for myself and residents.
If you would like to get in touch about this issue, please email me at [email protected].
Beddington Farmlands August 2021 snapshot
- Following a short delay, contractors have completed the excavation of the phase 3 wet grassland habitat. The shaping of islets and gullies will be completed in the autumn to enable this habitat to flood and form habitats for nesting birds. The next phase of progress will be to install anti-predation fencing around this habitat.
- Viridor is progressing with the creation and establishment of the meadowland towards the south of the site. The fence lines installed in previous years are now being altered to enable better mowing of the habitat and more structured access onto this part of the site in the coming years.
- The cycleway running north to south through the middle of the site is now under construction with a compacted gravel surface re-using river terrace gravels found on the site, this stretch is looking south from the top of the northern lake and will continue to form throughout the summer.
