In the run up to a scrutiny meeting to discuss Warren Farm plans by Ealing Council to turn as much as half of the land into a large sports facility, EALING.NEWS visited Warren Farm on Sunday to talk to people about what Warren Farm means to them.
On Tuesday (February 21 2023), wildlife experts are due to speak at a council scrutiny meeting arranged by Ealing Liberal Democrat Opposition Councillors. Campaigners have warned that developing the rewilded wildflower meadow would leave Ealing’s only Skylark population with nowhere to breed and contradicts Ealing Council’s own Biodiversity Action Plan which confirms that Warren Farm is the only place in the borough suitable for Skylarks to nest.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, families were out enjoying Warren Farm, runners were doing laps around the fields and people were there with their dogs on extended walks.
Ramesh, who lives in Hanwell, said he has been coming to Warren Farm for many years. “I’ve been coming here for years. It’s great to see how it has been rewilded by nature and like many I am concerned what will happen if it is built on. It is a very tranquil place and quite unique to have this in West London. Instead of using it for sports, we should be proud to use it for nature.”
Running couple, Jane and Robert say having Warren Farm close to where they live in Hanwell is a real plus for them. “This is having real nature to where we live. We run in the area and being so close to nature means we get to also see untouched nature up close.”
Sue, who is from Southall, was out walking her two dogs. She said: “It’s great for me and for them to be here. They enjoy their walks here and it would be so sad if Warren Farm was then turned into a sports stadium. We have precious little space for nature and what we have, we should keep for that.”
Robert, from Acton, said he wanted to see Warren Farm and find out more. “I heard about what was happening here and wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about. It used to a place to play sports, so I can see having sports is important as it once was used for that. But looking around, I can see how that has changed things and it is amazing to have this open space for nature. Maybe there is a way to have both sports and nature, but I’m not really sure if there is any compromise that works for everyone.”
The campaign for Warren Farm to be made Local Nature Reserve designation for the entire site and surrounding meadows continues. It already has over 18,000 signatories to the petition and people can support it by clicking here.
