Hi,
Ever since the perimeter path opened up, I've enjoyed cycling and walking along it, admiring the wildlife and soaking up the
peace and solitude. You never quite know what you'll see and that is definately part of the attraction! I've seen clouded yellow butterflies,the famous tree sparrows,kestrels, and at one time 13 herons! I've yet to see the peregrine but am ever hopeful.
On a couple of occasions I've been on the guided tour in a 4x4 and was lucky enough to go with the bird expert which was fascinating.The view from the hill was an eye opener. It's amazing how the place keeps changing but a shame for wildlife which likes a settled environment to live and breed. I saw from the report several species have been in decline and suffered as a result of all the changes of land use. Building applications and the gradual nibbling away of the land would be a real tragedy and be the worst possible outcome for all the wildlife. I just hope that one day the whole area will be opened up to the public as planned. A nature reserve to rival the Barnes Wetland Trust would be fantastic!(And right on the doorstep!) I'll look forward to that day along with all the other people in the area who love the natural world.
I'll be keeping an eye developments
For some years I have occasionally enjoyed walking or cycling on the path alongside the railway line. Recently I became aware that the area near Beddington Park was being landscaped and much of the vegetation removed to allow views of an extensive lake. It will be a marvellous feature once the plants re-establish themselves. I have not noticed any unusual birds in this area, but have recently seen kingfishers and egrets on the Wandle in Mill Lane, Carshalton, a bullfinch on Wilderness Island and an Egyptian Goose in Beddington Park. I will certainly be taking a greater interest in the Beddington Farmlands in future. Good luck in your endeavours.