Tottenham Hale wildlife haven set to expand

Haringey Council has acquired almost two acres of additional land around the edges of The Paddock

A Tottenham Hale green space wildlife haven is set to be expanded after Haringey Council acquired additional land.

In what the council described as a “landmark agreement” almost two acres of land around the edges of The Paddock have been bought as public open space.

The deal with Thames Water will enable the final phase of an “ambitious scheme” that is already transforming the space for the benefit of Tottenham Hale residents.

Enhancements will include the creation of new pathways through previously inaccessible private land and connection to the recently installed footbridge to Hale Wharf.

Ruth Gordon, the council’s cabinet member for placemaking and local economy, said: “This announcement is just the latest step in making our vision of a fairer, greener Tottenham Hale a reality.

“The flagship green spaces project at The Paddock is creating the borough’s first new nature reserve in more than a decade and honours our commitment to reinvest land receipts into securing long term and direct benefits for local residents.

“It has been shaped with the community for the community with the extensive improvements rooted in what they have told us they would like to see now and in the future.”

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) will take on a self-financing 25-year lease of The Paddock that will see the environmental charity raise external sponsorship to steward the open space, build a volunteer network and deliver a comprehensive schools and engagement programme.

Rebecca Kennelly, TCV chief executive, said: “The Conservation Volunteers has worked in close partnership with the London Borough of Haringey for over 20 years, helping us to connect thousands of people with their local green spaces supporting both nature and local residents’ health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to continue this beneficial relationship with these exciting next steps at The Paddock, which will allow us to bring Haringey residents closer to the nature on their doorsteps and contribute to its protection.”

The Paddock project masterplan includes upgraded entrances, accessible paths, tree planting and landscaping, a bird hide, signage and interpretation, benches, litter bins, and new temporary accommodation to provide enhanced educational facilities.

The final phase of The Paddock works will get under way shortly and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Part of the funding for the project comes from Section 106 planning obligations from the Hale Wharf development secured by the council’s planning department.

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.