Conservation Forum 'over the moon' that wood will be opened to the public (From Harrow Times)

Harrow Nature Conservation Forum 'over the moon' that Pear Wood will be opened to the public by Harrow Borough Council

4:44pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Harrow Nature Conservation Forum has expressed delight at news that Harrow Borough Council plans to open part of Pear Wood to the public.

The Forum has spoken out after the council announced that from December 2013 nine acres of Pear Wood, as well as 60 acres of Wood Farm, will become part of Stanmore Country Park.

Claire Abbot, of Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, said: “They promised years ago that it would be added to the nature reserve.

“We are over the moon that they are finally honouring their promise.

“We are absolutely delighted.

“These fields have just been sitting abandoned for years.

“Pear Wood is very special ancient woodland and we are keen for more of it to be opened to the public.”

The expansion of the park has become possible as land that was leased by Harrow Borough Council to Stanmore Dairies has been surrendered for public use.

Cllr Bill Stephenson, Harrow Council leader, said: “This long-standing project has at last come to fruition. 

"It unlocks wonderful views of London and it is very fitting that this should be my last public engagement as Leader of Harrow Council.

“69 acres of extra green belt land will become publicly accessible from December next year.

"As a Council we are very committed to opening as much of our green belt land and open space for the public to enjoy.

"Not only this, but the Council has received a £3.5 million capital receipt which is very welcome in these financially challenging times."