Farm overlooking London’s skyline to be returned to woods and pasture

A 200-hectare farm close to the M25 is to be returned to the wild woodland habitat enjoyed by Norman kings.

Harold’s Park, a farm on Green Belt land between Waltham Abbey and Epping Forest, was bought in July by Nattergal, a rewilding company keen to increase biodiversity and help children gain access to nature.

The new owners will allow pollarded oaks to spread, nurture hedges and restore ponds. They hope the restored ‘tangled pastureland’ will encourage invertebrates, wildflowers and birds, as well as helping people rediscover the hillside with its views of the London skyline.

The company said returning Harold’s Park Farm to woods and pasture would be reminiscent of ancient deer parks from 1,000 years ago.

Ivan de Klee, head of natural capital at Nattergal told the Guardian that the farm’s location close to London was also a major attraction of the site.

‘The land is ecologically degraded, but contains wild elements that will speed up nature recovery,’ he said.

‘Ancient woodland, ponds and unkempt hedges will give us a great start in re-establishing natural processes. Notable species such as newts, greenfinch, cuckoo and jay have been recorded on site, with expectations of more.

‘We’ll be thinking about how we can engage London’s children with new access to nature as well.’

Previously, the farm operated largely as an equestrian centre and Christmas tree supplier, but its major new income stream will be biodiversity net gain (BNG) payments. New home developers have to deliver a 10 per cent uplift in biodiversity, and if this isn’t possible where they are building, they can buy credits from land restored elsewhere – such as Harold’s Farm.

This is the third farm bought by Nattergal, which aims to attract private investment to nature recovery.

The company said Harold’s Park Wildland would deliver a wide range of community benefits including water purification, improved soil function and potential flood reduction, as well as local job creation, volunteering opportunities and educational rewilding tours.

‘Given its proximity to London, Harold’s Park Wildland will also present an invaluable opportunity for children in urban areas to access, learn about, and connect with nature, something we are particularly excited about.’

Anna Taylor, director of CPRE London said this was an exciting plan which offered a blueprint for how depleted land could be transformed to increase biodiversity, and benefit the community.

‘Our Tree Ring plan has identified dozens of sites like this around the capital which are ripe for transformation. Large and small plots offer the opportunity to create a corridor of trees round London that forms a pathway for wildlife, and access to nature for the city’s families.’

For more see London needs an “M25 of trees” – CPRE London