Hampstead Heath ecological grazing trial: sheep back on the Heath
Sheep are part of an ecological trial on Hampstead Heath 11-18 September.
If the pilot is successful, animal grazing could be expanded to other areas of the Heath. Grazing is known to play a major role in boosting species-rich wildlife habitats and reducing the use of machinery.
Unlike mowing, grazing produces a mosaic of vegetation heights and types, improving ecological sites for species including amphibians, small mammals, invertebrates and wildflowers.
(more…)Scientists ask public to help discover effect of extreme weather on butterflies
Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across the country to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (14 July – 6 August) to help scientists understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.
(more…)The Heath & Hampstead Society together with the City of London Corporation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Hampstead Heath Act with a concert at the Bandstand on 5th September 2021.
The sun came out – along with several hundred spectators – to shine on a free concert calked ‘Natural Aspect’. Why that title? It is taken from the original wording of the Hampstead Heath Act 1871 whereby the Heath was to be preserved for ever more as an oasis with a “natural aspect”.
(more…)Celebrating 150 years since the Heath was Saved.
On 27th June 2021, marking 150 years of the Hampstead Heath Act 1871, members of the Kite Society of Great Britain gave a spectacular display of kite flying, with tricks and intricate routines accompanied by music, in the beautiful surroundings of the Heath.
Biodiversity on the Heath
Interpretation boards, promoting appreciation and conservation of Nature on the Heath, have been produced by the Society working with the City of London , English Heritage and the Marylebone Birdwatching Society since 2021. Placed at seven entrances, they will be changed every season to reflect the Heath’s biodiversity and seasonality. Read more…
London’s Refuge since 1349
By Will Coles, Heath Sub-Committee.
For many Londoners, our green spaces – especially the Heath – are an important amenity where we can take refuge from city life with fresh air, wildlife, and beautiful views. Hampstead in particular has long been seen as a retreat in times of crisis.
In his History of Westminster Abbey, the 15th century monk John Flete recorded that the abbot of Westminster, Simon de Bircheston, fled to Hampstead in order to escape the Black Death in May 1349. However, de Bircheston efforts were in vain and he died later that year from plague.
In January 1524, soothsayers predicted that London would face a great flood and thousands of homes would be swept away on February 1.
Many families, both rich and poor, fled to Hampstead believing that its high elevation would protect them.
Society’s Bird Survey finds family of buzzards.
A nesting birds survey conducted by the Society has found a family of buzzards at Kenwood.
Professor Jeff Waage, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who is leading the research, said: “It is exceedingly rare to see these sorts of birds in an urban area, and now all of a sudden they’re here, hanging
around. It’s something that we never expected to see when we decided to begin the survey. Our buzzards show us how easily wildlife can return if we just make space for it.”
How Hampstead Heath was Saved – a story of people power by Helen Lawrence
published by Camden History Society with the support of the Heath & Hampstead Society. The book can be bought from Camden History Society’s website.
“This book shows what can be achieved – Helen Lawrence has a fascinating story to tell.”
Griff Rhys Jones
Heath Vision
The principal objective of the Society is to protect Hampstead Heath.
And today we need to be as pro-active as 100 years ago in communicating our ideas about management of the Heath.
That is why the Heath Committee has produced the booklet Heath Vision.
