The year has been one of greater-than-usual challenges and achievements.
Starting with the positives, the CREOS organisation has had some significant modernisation. The digitalisation and updating of the constitution, promised in last year’s report, is now done and ready for approval. Our banking methods and insurance have been brought up to date, with online payments now replacing time-consuming cash and cheque transactions. Workdays have been renamed Conservation sessions, putting greater emphasis on article b) of our constitution, to conserve and protect the area as a natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. A few able-bodied helpers have been recruited to get more urgent conservation jobs done quickly and efficiently between these sessions, including the perennial problem of trees and their branches falling across paths. They even removed twenty bags of builders’ rubble that had been dumped at the entrance to the school field. In addition, our committee has been streamlined, with each member having their own portfolio, enabling work to be done more efficiently.
Despite the climate extremes, a wetter than usual January and a drought throughout March and April, there has continued to be an improvement in the appearance of the Meadow and Woodland Walks. The Management Plan for biodiversity, put in place 6 years ago, seems to be paying off. The hazel coppice is visibly resplendent with an ever-changing variety of flora. The newly planted copse in the Western corner of the school field is thriving. The nearby wildflower patch has some well-established perennials and has recently had patches cleared of grass to allow space for new annuals such as cornflowers and poppies. Due to the unseasonal drought, a system for watering the new seedlings has also been devised. The areas around the lower section of the Woodland Walk, which have been fenced off for two years now, have greened up nicely, and new trees planted in the area are coming into leaf. Overall, the site looks better cared for and, as a result, there is less vandalism and littering. The danger of fire, however, has not abated. The fire brigade was called out two weeks in succession due to the actions of one group of boys. Although this fire scorched a veteran oak, the damage has been compensated for by the planting of 12 new wild service trees.
The works undertaken have hopefully led to greater biodiversity, and surveying of the site is now being undertaken to assess the improvements. A bat survey has been arranged. A flora survey is underway. However, we are seeking the help of members to help record our birds and insects, hoping that by using phone apps such as PlantNet, PictureThis and Merlin, reports on interesting flora, insects, and birds can be sent in to info@crouchendopenspace.org.
We are lucky that, with the energetic volunteers available this year, we have been able to make improvements to our footpath network. The ‘Meadow Path’ has had new log edging and has been filled with a mix of ballast and pebbles. This was a quick and relatively cheap option, which could be upgraded later if necessary. The most visible new section, however, is the path that enters from the North London Cricket Club car park. This path has been re-edged and laid to hoggin, which provides a permeable but durable surface and will improve accessibility for the disabled. The unsightly blocks that had previously been laid to deter cyclists have been removed, and the addition of a small bend in the path has made it look less like a cycle route, whilst leaving it fully accessible to wheelchair users. Some temporary paving stones have also been added to the muddy sections of the Hazel Coppice to help keep walkers on the path.
Turning to the challenges, the plans presented to the CREOS AGM last year by Highgate Wood School, to develop the sporting facilities of the school field in collaboration with NLCC and Highgate cricket clubs, divided the opinion of CREOS members. The main objection is the fencing-in of the field, as local people have always enjoyed the freedom of this open space. Two protest movements arose which needed our response. The first was an informal approach led by the owner of a dog-training business who erected posters purporting to support CREOS, but unfortunately giving a false impression of CREOS’s stance. The second was more significant: an anonymous group called Keep Field Open asked for local people to contribute evidence of long-term public use of the field. Subsequently, in late June, the two people who had organised this applied for the field to be re-designated as a Town Green, under the Commons Act 2006, aiming to keep the land open for public access.
To address these concerns, the CREOS committee felt it necessary to remind members that this has been a school playing field since 1978. We therefore welcome the main objective of reutilising the field for sporting activity, but cannot support the erection of new fencing to prevent public access, as this conflicts with the objective in our constitution of keeping the field open for public recreation. A statement was issued by CREOS explaining the position we had negotiated, which tried to balance the needs of all.
CREOS representatives attended a site visit with Head Teacher, Patrick Cozier and local councillors in July to address the public’s concerns and seek a way forward. He offered to hold a public meeting at the school to explain the plans again and to give people a chance to have a say.
The CREOS committee did not make any comment on the Town Green application, but a prepared statement was sent in response to all members’ enquiries and posted on the CREOS website. The application has now been withdrawn for fear of high legal costs, and the school’s development plans will now proceed, dependent on sufficient funds being raised. CREOS’s role will be to ensure that the amendments we negotiated, the promise of a public recreation space at the Western end of the field and the 5m wide corridor alongside the allotments, are upheld and that the natural habitat around the field is fully conserved.
Some concern has also been expressed by CREOS members over the extensive building work currently taking place on the Shepherds Cot. This all results from the renewal of the Georgians tennis club lease and subsequent investment for the future. Planning permission has been given for four Padel tennis courts, converting the changing room to a café, and changing the clubhouse into a gym for members’ use. CREOS has been assured that when these works are complete, there will be planting to replace the poplars lost last year and that the grass verges of Shepherds Lane will be restored.
Meanwhile, at Brookside, we have been keeping a watchful eye on the resurfacing and enlargement of the tennis courts. These works are scheduled to take 12 to 14 weeks, with a new clubhouse to be erected at a later date. It was necessary for a hedgerow and some trees to be removed to permit these developments; however, CREOS representatives have met with the organisers and the arborist to ensure that tree–protection measures are adequate. The two largest oaks on the site have protective covers, and no heavy machinery or dumping of waste is allowed in their root zone. When the works are complete, there is to be planting of two new hedgerows of native species and several new mature trees. It cannot be denied that all these works may have an impact on the 13 veteran oaks lining the Greenways path, but one pleasing outcome is that they have now been protected by a Tree Preservation Order made at the end of March.
Finally, on a positive note, CREOS has been able to provide four social events this year – a guided tour of all things green led by Prof J G Duckett, our first ever fundraising concert, the well-attended Christmas party and our much-loved summer picnic on the meadow. The committee are pleased to announce that plans are already taking shape for this year’s Summer Picnic, which will take place on Sunday 29 June, with the usual live music, drinks, dog competitions, raffle and children’s activities.
Glenys Law, May 2025
