Wasteland action plan

Aims
1. To highlight and promote the value of London's wastelands for people and wildlife.
2. To promote the appropriate retention, incorporation, and management of wasteland habitats within new developments in London.
3. To maintain a diverse network of wasteland sites



Wasteland comprises the range of habitats that develop on land whose industrial, commercial, or residential use has declined or ceased. The biodiversity these areas support can be stunning and unique, providing a mosaic of species and communities at different stages of succession that enriches our urban environment. Wasteland can provide ideal foraging habitat for birds like goldfinches, linnets and, on a few sites, black redstarts. The open character of these areas, with their small-scale variations in topography and climate, make many sites excellent for invertebrates and reptiles.

The current distribution of wasteland sites in London that are of biodiversity interest is not adequately known, and is difficult to assess due to the rapid rate of development underway. Wasteland sites designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) continue to be destroyed, and though concentrations of wasteland can still be found in the Thames Gateway, and the Lee and Wandle valleys, the wildlife value of small wasteland sites is often unrecognised in the London boroughs. It is clear that the total area of wasteland habitat across London is continuing to decline due to on-going development pressure in the capital; this is a trend that is likely to continue.

Contact
The Lead for this habitat is London Wildlife Trust.
Jenny Scholfield
London Wildlife Trust
Skyline House
200 Union Street
London SE1 0LW

Tel: 020 7261 0447
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wildlondon.org.uk