Countryside team hope to vole over judges

7:30am Monday 18th August 2008

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Hounslow’s countryside team beat tough competition to secure the top spot in the regional round of Natural England’s Future of Farming awards 2008, for the management of its heathland in the heart of London.

Work undertaken at a number of sites across the borough, including Hounslow Heath local nature reserve, Bedfont Lakes Country Park, the Crane Valley and Hounslow Urban Farm, was recognised for demonstrating high levels of innovation in land management within the pressures of an urban setting.

Conservation grazing and hay cutting have been introduced at the sites as a means of managing and maintaining the quality of fragile habitats, particularly heathland.

Restoration has led to increased numbers of species such as the nationally rare bittern, as well as the reintroduction of the adder and the water vole.

Councillor Adrian Lee, lead member for leisure and culture said: “I am delighted that Hounslow has won this award.

“It signals the borough’s serious and committed approach to farming in London and also highlights the high quality, professional staff that we have the privilege to have working for us. We must now continue to build on this significant achievement.”

Chris Slack, senior ecologist said: ‘I’m really chuffed we have won this award.

“I’ve been working in the London region for 12 years on urban grazing and at times it has been a struggle.

“It’s excellent to get our work recognised after all this time.”

The results have been so successful that Mr Slack lends out a small grazing herd to other conservation projects throughout London where grazing stock is extremely scarce.

Alison Barnes, regional director for Natural England’s London region said: “Hounslow’s management and restoration of key wildlife habitats is outstanding. The introduction of grazing in an urban context has its challenges, but Hounslow has been innovative and is leading the way in the capital.”