Bluebell Heath lies towards the north of Stanmore Common. For a
detailed map of the reserve, click here.
20 years ago it was a single open area
of grassland and wild flowers. Since then trees have invaded the area,
so it now comprises a series of isolated glades.
To the northwest of Bluebell Heath lies New Heath, an area of heathland
that was restored a few years ago by bringing in heather seeds from
Hounslow Heath 20 km to the southeast.
Acid grassland and lowland heath are rare in the United Kingdom and are
therefore priority habitats in the national and Harrow Biodiversity
Action Plans. The Harrow Nature Conservation Forum is applying to the
Heritage Lottery Fund for money to restore Bluebell Heath to a single
open area of flower-rich acid grassland and connect it with New Heath
to form a single open area. Large, mature trees (mostly oak and
Scot’s Pine) will be left in an open parkland setting. We aim
to involve local children and adults in the project.
We
need
your views on this project: please email to
<admin@harrowncf.org>.
If
we are
awarded the money we intend to set up an advisory group to oversee the
project.
If possible we would like to have representatives from all groups who
use the
Common – dog walkers, bird watchers, etc. Please indicate if
you would be
willing to join such a body.
