Management of Linder's Field LNR

 Recent Management.

Since 1990, Countrycare, with the help of local volunteers, has been managing Linder’s Field. Countryside Manager, Paul Hewitt, who has been with Countrycare since 1992, shares the local community’s appreciation of the site and is also aware that there are complex issues surrounding the site's management. "Linder’s Field means many different things to many different people. To some it’s a place to walk the dog, pick blackberries or simply sit and enjoy the wildlife, while to others it’s a place to exercise or play."

Given this brief it is not always easy to balance the views and needs of everyone. However, what is certain is that Linder’s Field still needs to be managed.  If the site is neglected, over a relatively short period of time bramble and blackthorn would soon replace the sunnier woodland glades and begins to swamp the grassland and its wildflowers.

In April 2000 (revised 2004 and 2009), a new management plan was produced for Linder’s Field.  This set out a programme of work not only aimed at creating an open space for all the people of Buckhurst Hill to visit and enjoy, but also a habitat in which the site's special wildlife can thrive. Countrycare’s ultimate vision is a site that can be enjoyed by all, with an open mosaic of ponds, scrub and grassland rich in wildflowers. This coupled with a multi-layered woodland rich in Bluebell and Wood Anemone will provide the perfect habitat for all the site's varied plants and animals.

Work has involved the clearance of bramble and the selective thinning and coppicing of many trees along the boundary of the old wood. This work has often looked destructive and unsightly when first done as bare ground is exposed where the trees once cast their shade. To some it seems strange to be cutting down trees in the name of conservation, however in a very short space of time once the sunlight has reached the ground the areas soon recover with grasses and wildflowers like Bluebells and Red Campion. In addition to the clearance work it is also important to cut the field. This not only stops trees establishing, but also encourages the wildflowers within the meadow. Over the last year a new gated entrance has allowed tractor access to the field enabling the grassland to be cut properly. The benefits of all this work will soon be seen with an increase in wildflowers both in the grassland and the wood. Finally, excavation work has taken place on one of the site's small ponds to enhance its value for frogs and newts.

In addition to the writing of a new site plan, in October 2001 a Friends Group was established consisting of representatives from the District and Parish Councils, the Residents Association, the Scouts and Guides, the Corporation of London and local residents and volunteers. The whole aim of the group, which meets twice a year, has been to create a forum for discussion on the management plan, proposed works and for Countrycare to have feedback on work undertaken on the site. We are always looking for new members, so if you feel you would like to contribute please give the Countrycare Office a call.

• Linder's Field Management Guidance Statement 2009 - 2014 
• Linder's Field Past Management