Exciting happenings in Wanstead Park and on the Flats

Wanstead Park and Flats must have contributed much to the sanity of people over the period of the pandemic. Over the dark days of lockdowns, a walk in the park or across the Flats, as part of daily exercise offereed a welcome respite. Many people seem to have discovered the area for the first time over this period. Local people are particularly protective of their open space and rightly so. The recent fantastic display of bluebells, in Chalet Wood, drew people in from far and wide. Not that many years ago the bluebells were a fairly well kept secret but with the arrival of social media, the good news has been spread far and wide. People have come from all over to see the flowers, most stick to the paths and respect the area, a few seem to think the rules are for others. Another recent success has been the fencing off of a small area of the Flats to help protect the nesting skylarks. The population has been dwindling over recent years, so it is hoped this extra protection will help the birds prosper in future. And there is more to come with the Long Horn cattle returning to the park in August. Three Long Horns crazed in the park for a couple of months last summer, proving hugely popular with the public. Their return is eagerly awaited. Another development resulting from the pandemic has been the wild flower field planted on the Flats, near the City of London cemetery, where the temporary morgue stood, early last year. A fitting natural memorial to that grim period. The Corporation of London have plans for future developments. There is an ongoing consultation on cycling in the park. The three options being to stay as things are, ban cycling all together or allow cycling throughout the park. I'd favour the third option but would like to see some restoration of paths, so that cyclists and pedestrians can co-exist without tearing up the terrain, something that has happened due to the heavier footfall, over wet periods in recent months. There are other outstanding issues in need of attention such as the the lakes in the park and some of the entry points. It would also be good to see the rewilding efforts continue, with suggestions like more wild flower areas around the brick pit area (adjacent to Aldersbrook Road between Blakehall and Park Roads) acted upon. There is much happening and lots to be done but this is also a time to give thanks for our fantastic open spaces in Wanstead and to those who have maintained them and by extension us over these recent difficult times.