4 April 2025

Dear Friends,

The following is from Osama, and is welcome news.

It is official. The Wormwood Scrubs Meadow is now designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

The Trust is keen to see this designation used as a tool to enhance the ecological value of the Meadow, while safeguarding green assets in light of the significant regeneration of the Old Oak area.

As mentioned in previous communications, this designation does not preclude the implementation of further improvements, be they material or ecological.

We will in fact look to improve signage in the Meadow and across the Scrubs, once we are further along the Masterplan procurement timeline.

As agreed, we will ensure the Friends are included in those design discussions.

While this designation is cause for celebration, the Trust, Council and the Friends must combine our efforts to influence a change in the way dog walkers interact with the Meadow.

An imminent review of the dog walking licensing system and enforcement protocols will hopefully spark that change.

However, we need the Friends to remain vigilant, report any non-compliant activity and communicate with your members to clarify the rules in place.

I will co-ordinate a strategic meeting with the community safety team and the Friends once I am back from leave on 21st April.

Best wishes

Stephen Waley-Cohen