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The Paddock
Community Nature Park to give its official title or "The Paddock" as it is
popularly known was opened in July 2000. The Paddock is owned and managed
by Haringey Council and was developed from an area that had been used for
dumping rubbish in the 1980s by a grant from English Partnerships.
Previously the area had been a sports ground, and so appears still in many
atlases and "A to Z" type map books. Historically the Paddock had been a
water meadow alongside the River Lea which borders the area on its Eastern
side.
The Paddock
is a triangular shaped piece of land bordered by the River Lea and a small
stream on two of its sides and by Ferry Lane on its other. There is a
dense wild area, the Wilderness in the centre comprising of predominantly
Elder and brambles. This provides a food source and nesting sites for many
species of birds and insects. Around the "Wildnerness" is a walkway that
is bordered by mixed planting of native species such as Alder and various
species of Willow. The walkway rises to a raised circular viewing platform
that gives a good view of the two Maynard Reservoirs looking Eastward.
There is also an area with tables suitable for picnics.
A
surprisingly diverse population of birds, insects and mammals visit the
Paddock. Kingfishers are often seen flying along the course of the River
Lea and the lush vegetation and insect life attracts many other species of
birds including finches, tits and warblers. Insect life abounds with
butterflies and bees feeding on the many seeded Buddleias. During summer
the sound of grasshoppers can be heard on the sunny slopes facing Ferry
Lane above the noise of the traffic. Walking around this July afternoon
the writer came across a young vixen which, after an initial fright,
decided to lie down on one of the paths and enjoy the sunshine.
The Paddock is a quiet and relaxing place and is a welcome oasis
in North London. To see the wildlife the best thing is to sit still on one
of the benches and take stock of what is going on around you.
Recently the Paddock has suffered from vandalism. Some of
the fences have been torn down and burned on fires. Sadly some of the
Alder trees were also broken and thrown on these fires - being "green" they of
course didn't burn but the trees had been destroyed anyway. Graffiti on
the benches is also a recurring problem. It is unfortunate that the
Paddock is not recognised for the gem it is by all members of the local
community.
Although managed by Haringey Council, a group of
volunteers help with litter picking, pruning and general maintenance of
the Paddock on the morning of the second Sunday of every month. Anyone
interested in volunteering for this activity is most welcome and should
contact Grahame Pearce on 020 8801 2389 for further
information.
Click on the links below for images of
the paddock.
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