Gospel Oak nature reserve to be preserved as public space, council announces

The reserve sits on the edge of a railway track. Image: Google

The future of Mortimer Terrace Nature Reserve as public space is set to be guaranteed, Camden Council has announced.

The Town Hall acquired the land in Gospel Oak in May 2022 following a campaign to prevent it being sold to developers.

The reserve, which boasts woodland, meadows, a pond and a herb garden, is currently being leased to a sole occupier for use as a forest school for nurseries.

The council has now confirmed that, once the lease has expired, it will transfer the freehold to Camden Community Makers, a local community land trust.

This “formal public commitment” ensures the “nature reserve site will be safeguarded for use as a nature reserve in partnership with the local community at all times going forwards”, according to officers.

Camden Community Makers previously described the nature reserve as a “vital lung for the local community who live on one of the busiest streets in the area, as well as offering a haven for wildlife”.