With views of the London skyline, the 206 hectare site is to be transformed from the current low productivity arable fields, intensive grassland and Christmas tree plantations into an abundance of biodiversity and wildlife. Nattergal aims to return Harold’s Park Farm to wood pasture, reminiscent of the ancient deer parks from 1,000 years ago.
Nattergal is a private nature restoration company run by rewilding and financing experts, which aims to ‘make nature an investable asset class’. Its business model is to deliver ecosystem restoration on its own land and that of others, and to commercialise the resulting ecosystem services generated.
Harold’s Park sits within the Green Belt and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century when Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson used the grounds for hunting deer and wild boar. In more recent times, the site was a popular equestrian centre and sold Christmas trees from the farm in the winter. According to Nattergal, they chose the site because of the unique combination of its history and potential for nature restoration. Nattergal will be returning Harold’s Park Farm to wood pasture, which will be reminiscent of the ancient deer parks from 1,000 years ago.
Head of Natural Capital at Nattergal, Ivan de Klee, explains: “Harold’s Park is ripe for rewilding. Although it is a largely ecologically degraded landscape, we were pleased to find an ancient woodland, several ponds, a scattering of smaller fields, and a selection of unkept hedges – all of which will give us a great start to re-establishing natural processes. Notable species such as the crested newt, smooth newt, Greenfinch, Cuckoo, and Jay have also been recorded on site, with expectations of many more to follow.”
Nattergal ecologists have been working and engaging with specialist consultants and stakeholder groups, to formulate the future vision for Harold’s Park Wildland. Although it is a largely ecologically degraded landscape, there are reported hotspots of life all around the land; ancient woodland, several ponds, a scattering of smaller fields, and a selection of unkept hedges – all of which provide a good start to re-establishing natural processes. Nattergal have explained that they will be introducing free-roaming ancient breed cattle, pigs and ponies to help shape and drive the ecosystem.
Harold’s Park Wildland will also deliver community benefits including water purification, improved soil function and potential flood reduction, as well as local job creation, volunteering opportunities and educational tours. Given its proximity to London, Harold’s Park Wildland will also present an opportunity for children in urban areas to access, learn about, and connect with nature.
Local artist Sophie Cowdy said: “I was filled with joy when I learned Harold’s Park had been purchased for Nature restoration. I was concerned that the site would be used for housebuilding and the existing biodiversity on the site would be destroyed.”