Marshes woodland reclaimed for simple pleasures

11:26am Thursday 11th March 2010

By Elizabeth Pears

NEGLECTED woodlands that form part of Tottenham Marshes is being transformed from vandal's paradise to wildlife oasis through a £2million improvement programme.

Clendish Woods had been blighted by burnt benches, broken signs and graffiti which ruined the areas for those who wanted to enjoy the open space.

Now Lee Valley Regional Park Authority are reclaiming the land for families, children and nature enthusiasts who with the area to birdwatch, plant sport, relax or play sport.

The woodlands makeover has won support from Tottenham Hotspur FC who helped celebrate the improvements on Tuesday, partially funded through the Forestry Commission’s London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme and managed by environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London.

School pupils also attended to plant trees and work to build a 200-metre woodland path is due to begin as part of the scheme.

Project manager Janet Green said: "This is the only woodland area on Tottenham Marshes and thanks to this funding we have significantly improved the site, opening it up to create a woodland oasis for the community."

Spurs player Modric, who visited Clendish Woods, said: “Getting kids and families out onto Tottenham Marshes is what Spurs is all about. We want to encourage young people and families to get out and enjoy their local parks and Tottenham Marshes provide the ideal spot for relaxation or down time with the family.”

The planting of new trees was also praised by Ron Melville, the Forestry Commission's regional director for London, as increasing biodiversity, quality of life for residents and a neccessary measure against climate change.

He added: "Trees are important for our future and it is particularly appropriate that children and families are involved in this planting scheme since they will see these trees grow to maturity."

The rejuvenation of Clendish Woods is part of a five-year ongoing improvement of the Marshes, run by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which sits in contrast to the nearby traffic-heavy and industrial area.

A new community building has been built at Stonebridge Lock and work has been done to attract more people to the Marshes, awarded Green Flag Status in 2008, from neighbouring communities bvy improving access through 5km of better paths to cope with all weathers.