Further Encroachment Poses Concern to Borough and Network Rail

On securing the nature reserve lease in March 2018 concerns were raised regarding extensive resident encroachment on to the railway cutting. Resident encroachment poses various threats to conservation sites including landscaping, paving, decking and fencing that endanger or prohibit wildlife and planting of invasive vegetation. It also prohibits the development of wildlife projects and restricts biodiversity surveys.

Despite assurances that there would be no further issues, evidence of yet more attempts to claim SINC land has finally triggered a review by Network Rail in conjunction with the local authority.

The latest encroachment involved a substantial area of bramble being cleared to make easier resident access onto the reserve through a back garden.

Sadly the bramble area was in full blossom and was host to an abundance of butterflies just ahead of a planned butterfly survey.

Concerns that areas of a Metropolitan SINC can be destroyed so easily, have finally prompted meaningful dialogue between Network Rail and LBL, and it is hoped that a solution will be found to prevent any further damage or loss land within the reserve.