Despite last Tuesday's decision by Enfield Council to grant planning permission to Tottenham Hotspur to fence off a large section of Whitewebbs Park for a women's football training centre, campaigners against the deal gathered on Sunday morning at Whitewebbs for a combined protest and nature walk.
Around 150 people gathered at Whitewebbs on Sunday to protest and go on a nature walk (photo: Maggie Westhead)
The planning committee's decision follows several years of poiitical and legal arguments between the council and nature lovers about the fate of the former golf course that has been allowed to "rewild" naturally and become, according to campaigners, an "established, thriving, ecosystem [that] provides a stunning mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland habitats and is home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna, which includes rare and protected species".
The 150 or so people at the protest on Sunday, which was covered by both radio and TV reports, were told by ecologist Russell Miller that the fight to save the park "wasn’t over" and urged people to write to the mayor of London.
Readers can follow the saga of Whitewebbs on the Enfield Dispatch website, on this website and on sites devoted to the campaign: the Guardians of Whitewebbs website run by young campaigner "Avid Beats" and the official Friends of Whitewebbs website.
How Sunday's event was promoted
Meet at the café, Beggars Hollow, Whitewebbs Park, EN2 9JW.
Join us for an uplifting and fascinating journey through the flourishing landscapes of Whitewebbs Park, where nature has reclaimed its territory.
Following the closure of the golf course in 2021, the park has undergone a breathtaking transformation, embracing the wild. This walk is a tribute to the resilience of nature and the beauty of spontaneous rewilding.
Our walk invites you to witness firsthand the thriving biodiversity that has emerged in the absence of meaningful intervention. As we stroll through the park and woodlands, our expert guide, Benny Hawksbee, will highlight the diverse species of flora and fauna that have made their comeback, turning the area into a vibrant ecosystem and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
As well as a celebration of nature's ability to heal and flourish when given space, this event is an opportunity for community members and nature lovers to connect, share stories, and inspire each other towards fostering environments where nature can thrive unchecked.
We can't wait to see you there! This is a family friendly event and we encourage you to join us!
Graphic by Sam, Avid Beats, using photos by Alison Gracie of an Alder Tree and its Catkins and (birds from left to right) Blue Tit, Nuthatch and Robin. These photos are all taken in Whitewebbs Park. These beautiful birds can be seen in Whitewebbs in locations such as Whitewebbs Lake and on the bird feeder at the southern Café.