Habitats Group Review: 2025

We are pleased to share the  2025 Review from the Friends of Broomfield Park  Habitats Group. This annual report, prepared by Matthew Pierce, offers a detailed look at the work carried out by our volunteers over the past year and the impact it has had on the park’s wildlife.

Work on the Ground

The team had a busy year in 2025. We shifted focus to learning traditional management skills, successfully laying our first section of hedge to improve density for nesting birds. We also undertook several heavy tasks, including installing posts to protect meadow areas from mowers, clearing brambles, and establishing a new wildflower meadow in the growing space,

Wildlife Survey Results

The report highlights some encouraging responses from local wildlife. We recorded 22 different butterfly species in the park this year. Most notably, we saw record numbers of Common Blue butterflies, with sightings far higher than in previous years. We also noted healthy numbers of Brimstones, Peacocks, and Commas, suggesting that our habitat management is moving in the right direction.

Challenges and Future Plans

It has not been without difficulties; vandalism in the growing space remains an ongoing issue that consumes volunteer time and resources. Looking ahead to 2026, the group plans to pause on starting large new projects. Instead, the focus will be on maintaining current habitats, monitoring species, and assessing the condition of the park's perimeter trees.

Thank You

This work relies on the effort of our regular Wednesday volunteers and support from partners including The Palmers Greenery Community Cafe, Enfield Council, Thames 21, and corporate groups. We are grateful for grant funding provided by the Chapman Charitable Trust which supported our activities in 2025.

We hope you find the full review interesting.