Brownfield Land

First thing this morning I walked into the Science Park, to check an area which I think most people would describe as “waste land”. As I arrived I saw house martins catching insects over the muddy pool to the side of the road, but was disappointed to see a tractor type vehicle crossing the area. No chance of what I saw here last year then.

A shame, but I focussed on the flowering plants ablaze with colour on the earth bunds surrounding the area. Checking these on my plant app many of these seem to be North American - including lacy phacelia, baby blue eyes, desert bells, virginia stock, sweet alyssum (extra). I presume the earth bunds - there to keep travellers off I guess - have been seeded to make them presentable ?

Whilst I was leaving I was listening to oystercatchers calling from the roof of a nearby industrial building. Then I noticed a bird fly by me and land somewhere on the stony ground. So I turned back. I hadn’t got binoculars with me so scanned the area through my camera lens and found what I was looking for - a pair of little ringed plovers. Then an oystercatcher landed nearby. So the vehicle must have disturbed the birds, who I am sure must have well camouflaged young here. A lapwing then flew over. Finally, passing the pool, a linnet singing ( extra).

It is generally assumed that brownfield = bad and greenfield = good. I think the opposite is often true, These untidy areas of “waste ground” are often fantastic for wildlife, whereas manicured and tidy green areas can be a bit sterile.