Beddington Farmlands Delays Draw Criticism from Campaigners

Campaigners are criticising the delayed public opening of Beddington Farmlands, a south London nature reserve as large as Hyde Park. Public access to the 120-hectare site near Sutton’s Beddington industrial estate was a condition for the operation of a nearby incinerator, yet it remains off-limits despite the 31 December deadline. Sutton’s Wandle Valley Forum conservation group described the delay as “one anniversary nobody is celebrating.”

Valencia Waste Management (VWM), which manages the landfill site housing the incinerator, stated they are “making progress” on meeting the requirements. However, conservationists argue that the site, touted as “one of the largest environmental opportunities in London,” has suffered from both VWM’s delays and what they see as Sutton Council’s lax enforcement.

Tony Burton, chair of the Wandle Valley Forum, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. “Public access to Beddington Farmlands and a secure future for its extraordinary wildlife was the quid pro quo for a massive incinerator being built,” he said. Burton highlighted the plight of at-risk species like the Lapwing, which the nature reserve was intended to protect.

Though some improvements have been made—such as installing bird hides and opening a public path—campaigners insist the site remains incomplete and unsuitable for key species. Local councillors are also voicing their concerns. Beddington councillor Tim Foster called for legal enforcement, stating, “The target species, the ecology, and the borough cannot afford more excuses.”

In response, a VWM spokesperson explained that they are working with technical specialists to update the restoration scheme for greater long-term sustainability amid climate change. They assured that further public access to the site is planned for the coming year, with habitat management already underway.

Further information on the Wandle Valley Forum’s efforts to protect local wildlife and green spaces can be found by visiting their official website here.

For further updates on environmental developments in London, visit EyeOnLondon.

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!