Lynne Featherstone

Lib Dems have expressed alarm as large areas of dense undergrowth and trees have been razed to the ground in Alexandra Park in the middle of the nesting season. A wide belt of trees in the middle of the park was bulldozed on Monday 20th March, and screens of trees separating residents and the fairground site have also been bulldozed in recent weeks.

The screens of trees and undergrowth, originally planted many years ago to combat light and noise pollution from coaches, fairs and occasionally circus tents, are also home to scores of nesting birds, small mammals and other wildlife, and the move to clear them has been strongly criticised for what the Lib Dems say is a breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Cllr Bob Hare, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Alexandra Palace, comments:

“The original park was in rural farmland. The park is now surrounded by city and housing and needs its screening trees both to maintain the attractiveness of the park, and to help prevent disturbances to neighbouring residents by park activities. ”

Lib Dem Leader Cllr Neil Williams adds:

“It is very concerning that the land has been cleared, and I am appalled that the vegetation clearance is taking place during the nesting season. The Wildlife Act clearly states that it is an offence to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while in use or being built.”