Railway Fields facts for kids
Railway Fields is a really special place in Harringay, London. It's known as a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. It's also a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation," showing how important it is for nature in the local area.
This amazing spot is about one hectare in size. That's roughly the size of a large sports field! Long ago, until 1967, it wasn't a nature reserve at all. It was a busy railway yard where goods were moved around. Today, it's a peaceful home for many plants and animals. You can find a pond there, which is often home to Common frogs and beautiful Blue-tailed damselflyes.
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Exploring the Habitats and Wildlife
Railway Fields is a mix of different natural areas, making it a great place for many creatures.
Woodlands and Green Spaces
A lot of the reserve is covered in trees. You'll see open birch woodlands, especially near the railway line. Other parts have thicker woods and bushes, which are perfect hiding spots for animals. There are also open grassy areas and, of course, the small pond we mentioned earlier. Right in the middle of the reserve, there's a wooden cabin. This building is used as an office and a classroom, where people can learn more about nature.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Over 200 different kinds of wild flowers have been found at Railway Fields! That's a lot of colourful plants. One very special plant found here is called the Haringey Knotweed. It was discovered in 1987 and is quite unique. It's a mix, or "cross," between two other plants: the Japanese knotweed and the Russian vine.
Since Railway Fields opened, more than sixty different types of birds have been seen flying around or nesting there. It's a busy place for our feathered friends!
A Look Back in Time: History of Railway Fields
The area we now call Railway Fields was once a busy place for trains.
From Goods Yard to Green Space
In 1868, this land became a goods yard for the Tottenham & Hampstead Junction Railway. A goods yard is a place where trains drop off or pick up goods, like coal or other materials, to be moved by trucks or other transport. It seems like this yard was mostly used for coal. Imagine trains pulling in and out, loaded with coal!
Almost 100 years later, in 1967, the goods yard closed down. It wasn't needed anymore.
Becoming a Nature Reserve
In 1975, the local council, Haringey Council, bought the land. They first planned to use it for a community centre. But then, in 1986, something wonderful happened: it was opened as a nature park! It became an educational nature reserve, a place where people, especially children, could come to learn about nature and wildlife.
In 1990, Railway Fields was officially declared a "statutory local nature reserve." This means it has special legal protection. It's also protected forever as a public green space through a program called Fields in Trust Queen Elizabeth II field. This ensures it will always be there for everyone to enjoy and for nature to thrive.
