Welcome

Welcome to the website of Friends of Stocker’s Lake (FoSL), a registered charity.

Livestream Update: The camera is now zoomed out and switched off. Both Heron & Egret chicks have now fledged and left their nests. Until next season.

many thanks for watching our live stream this season

Latest News - 21 August 2025

Affinity Water were made aware of a fire at Stockers this morning following a call from Tony to Simon. This was immediately reported to the estates team who are undertaking the necessary actions.
Maydencroft will be attending site shortly to undertake an inspection and recommend further action regarding the health and safety of the trees The area will be barriered off, depending on the outcome of the inspection the footpath may need to be closed. The Herts Fire and Rescue Department have been made aware and I believe are attending site also.
Our Comms team are working with Estates to release messaging which is likely to be on X and on our website. We’ll share once this has gone live
Just a further update to you from our Wildlife officers Simon and Charlie, who are still on site dealing with the trees.
There are 3 trees in total that were scorched and 2 of these need to be taken down as they are unstable and could fall at any point. The main tree being about 20 metres tall. Some smaller trees around are being cut down to allow a clear path for the large tree to be felled safely. A lot of the branches from the bigger tree have also already fallen in to the lake.
The trees have been checked for wildlife and there is no wildlife in them or around the area. We have also checked the bat box that's in one of the unharmed trees near where the fire was and the bat box is fine.
After speaking to the lake Bailiff, they suspect this may be the 2 young youths which started the fire last week in swim 1 whilst Simon and I were treating a hornet's nest on the footpath.
Please ensure you disseminate information regarding the closure of the footpath for the time being to any members.

Beautiful New 2026 Calendar:
The Perfect Christmas Present -

We like to be forward thinking at FoSL so our minds have turned to 2026, or more specifically the 2026 FoSL calendar. This will be the fourth year for our successful calendar and we are hoping it will be our best ever. So it’s time for a reminder that the closing date for entries will be 31st July. There is no charge to enter, however, contributors need to be members of FoSL. Photographs should be landscape in format and reasonably hi-res (ideally 1Mb+). All shots need to have been taken at or around the lake within the last 3 years. Can you also let us know when (the month and year) and where on the reserve they were taken. There are 4 categories (i) landscapes (ii) birds (iii) other fauna (iv) flora. Each photographer can submit up to 6 photos but no more than 3 in any one category. Judging will take place in early August with production late August. (Thanks in advance to David Evans who has done all our calendar layouts) Printing should be early September.

Please send entries to giles_lury@hotmail.com

Springwell Lane scrap metal site

Background

The area at the Springwell Lane entrance to Stockers Lake has been utilized as a scrap yard without planning approval for some time. Representations have been made to Hillingdon Council to use their enforcement powers to address this activity, but so far, no action has been taken successfully. The owners have now applied for retrospective planning permission. There are inaccuracies in the application form.

It was noted that the applicants had been refused retrospective planning permission for their scrap metal operations. It appears they are expanding their activities and may have appealed against the decision, allowing them to continue their operations which impact the environment.

On Thu, 17 Apr 2025

An Enforcement Notice was served on 6th September 2024 against the unauthorized use of the land as a scrap metal site following the refusal of retrospective planning permission. The operators submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The Planning Inspector issued the appeal decision on 28 March 2025. The appeal was dismissed and the enforcement notice upheld with minor amendments. The compliance period is one calendar month, meaning the operators have until 28 April 2025 to comply.

The requirements of the notice are to:

· Cease the use of the land as a scrap metal yard.

· Demolish and remove all associated metal sheet fence panels and wooden posts.

· Remove all skips, scrap metal, gas canisters, tyres, and waste materials.

· Remove all vehicles and machinery associated with the scrap metal yard.

· Clear all debris, items, and building materials resulting from compliance with the above points.

A site inspection will be conducted on or shortly after 28 April 2025. If the notice has not been complied with, prosecution proceedings may be instigated. Failure to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine.

Regarding environmental concerns, the Environment Agency conducted a joint inspection of the site with Council Officers in February 2024. They have powers to require actions where necessary. Since the inspection, no environmental concerns have been communicated by the Environment Agency. The Council has taken action within its authority to address the breach of planning control.

Planning Enforcement Team Leader (North)

Planning and Sustainable Growth

Place Directorate

Hillingdon Council

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