How to walk across the Scrubs
Lockdown has brought many new visitors to the Scrubs. The Friends are delighted to see so many more people enjoying this unique open space.
But unfortunately this increased footfall has resulted in a huge increase in the paths crossing the wild scrubland area on the western side of the Scrubs. Originally there were a few very narrow trodden grass paths and one broad one running west-east. But - possibly because so many of us are worried about social distancing - these have been obliterated and new, very wide tracks opened up.
Something our new visitors may not be aware of is that this area is a vital haven for nature. It is valuable for its biodiversity and the various reptiles, insects and meadow plants which flourish there simply can’t survive if humans are walking through their home.
Some birds such as Meadow Pipits have been known to nest in the wild part - and we would like to see them nesting there again but this will not happen if the area becomes trampled.
So could we implore visitors to the Scrubs to keep to the older paths, do not try to make new ones or wander into areas of long grass. If you choose to picnic, stay on the mown areas - there is a designated picnic area near Braybrook Street - and of course, take your litter home with you.
Think about it - we humans have the whole of London to walk around in - the birds, and lizards not so much!
