The Paddock Community Nature Park


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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