Havering’s Wildlife Is Already In Decline And Now Our Greenbelt Land Faces The Axe As Construction Wins Over Conservation.

Is wildlife in Havering in decline? The signs are increasingly hard to ignore. For many residents, our green spaces are a source of pride and peace, yet recent data and local insights suggest that our borough’s wildlife is under growing pressure.

The government’s new Planning Bill is clear: construction wins over everything.

Greenbelt land will soon be a thing of the past, as our wildlife declines day by day and yet very few seem to care.

Across England, bird numbers have dropped significantly—by 7% between 2018 and 2023—with woodland species declining by 10% in just five years. Almost half of all UK bird species have seen population drops since 2015, and Havering is no exception. Species that were once commonly seen here—like the skylark, meadow pipit, turtle dove, and nightingale—have become rare or vanished altogether. These birds now cling to isolated havens such as Ingrebourne Marshes and Cranham Marsh, where the right habitats still exist.

Hedgehogs, too, are struggling. Once a familiar sight in our gardens and parks, their numbers have fallen sharply, with rural populations dropping by 50% since the year 2000 and urban numbers not far behind. In Havering, local wildlife rescue groups like Harold Hill Deer Aid are rescuing injured or malnourished hedgehogs in growing numbers. Their work is vital, but it’s also a worrying indicator of how fragile these populations have become.

Our waterways and wetlands are home to species such as water voles and harvest mice, which are also in serious trouble. Nationally, water vole numbers have declined by over 90% since the early 20th century, and only about 60% of their original UK range remains. In Havering, protected reserves like Cranham Marsh and Rainham Marshes provide a lifeline, but even these areas are under pressure from development and environmental degradation.

Invertebrates like butterflies and bees are disappearing too. While borough-specific figures are limited, national surveys show dramatic losses of pollinators across the UK. Cranham Marsh still supports rare species like the emerald damselfly and a variety of butterflies, but such places are increasingly rare and in desperate need of protection.

Despite these alarming trends, Havering remains a borough with rich natural assets. Ingrebourne Marshes supports over 60 species of breeding birds and a host of rare hoverflies and dragonflies. Rainham Marshes is a nationally important site and boasts one of the densest water vole populations in Greater London. Ingrebourne Valley Local Nature Reserve is home to great crested newts, slow worms, harvest mice and more, while Cranham Marsh continues to host ancient woodland, fen habitats, and 23 butterfly species. Harrow Lodge Park has recently undergone significant habitat improvements, including lake dredging and the planting of wildflower meadows, all in a bid to attract and support wildlife. Harold Hill Deer Aid alone rescued nearly 1,200 wild animals last year—a stark reminder of how many animals are in distress and in need of help.

Havering is doing better than many parts of London, but that doesn’t mean we can be complacent. Bird species are disappearing, mammals are declining, and pollinators are vanishing—all signs that ecosystems are under real strain. These declines aren’t just numbers—they reflect changes we can already see in our parks, gardens, and reserves.

Now is the time for action. That means protecting habitats, supporting conservation groups, and making space for wildlife in our own backyards. Residents can make a difference by joining local initiatives, reporting sightings, and creating wildlife-friendly gardens with native plants, log piles, and safe nesting spaces. The food we grow, the way we maintain our gardens, and how we build and plan urban spaces all play a role in supporting or harming the natural world.

Now, we have endless proposals to build on our greenbelt land. From the huge data centre across North Ockendon that is home to endless wildlife, to the MOTO development that will concrete over endless hectares of greenbelt land.

The evidence is clear: Havering’s wildlife is in decline, but not beyond saving. With awareness, investment, and community involvement, we can safeguard our natural spaces and ensure they remain full of life—for ourselves and for future generations, but will this happen?

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