Letter in Harrow Times, 12 April 2012 edition, 'Pear wood reserve: It is imperative we protect land'I applaud the Harrow conservationists and local residents for pursuing their long-term goal of biodiversity protection despite Harrow Council's proposals for Pear Wood.
I am particularly relieved to hear that the proposal to sell land currently occupied by the derelict cottage over to property development has fallen through, for the time being (‘Pear Wood open space is protected ‘for now’’, Harrow Times, 5 April).
As Harrow Nature Conservation forum has so diligently recorded, in both words and pictures, the former cottage has practically been reclaimed by nature; snakes, deer and wild fora are all in evidence. The despoliation of this part of the wood, for human habitation, should not be part of the negotiation.
In 2010, I was part of a widespread grassroots campaign in Brent to protect part of the Welsh Harp nature reserve, and metropolitan open land, from similar housing development.
It is imperative that we preserve spaces such as Pear Wood and Welsh Harp as welcome breathing spaces today, for the enjoyment of future generations tomorrow, and for other species with which we share this beautiful planet.
In its manifesto for the London Assembly, the Green Party advocates the Green Grid, an enhanced network of green spaces across London, with protection for trees and wildlife and greater access to nature for all.
Shahrar Ali
Green Party London Assembly candidate for Brent and Harrow
PO Box 54785
London NW9 1FL
Photo: Young grass snake in Pear Wood (picture by Claire Abbott, Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, by permission)
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