Welcome

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

Latest News - Please Note The advice about feeding birds has changed

The updated advice introduces seasonal changes to how we feed birds – keeping what works, while reducing the risk of finch trichomonosis.

In practical terms:

Avoid feeding seed and peanuts from 1 May to 31 October, when trichomonosis risk is highest.
Continue feeding in winter when benefits to survival are well established.
Avoid large, continuous food provision that creates persistent aggregations (of birds).
Maintain good hygiene for feeders and water sources.

Other foods, such as fat and invertebrate-based options, are considered lower risk in this context and can be used more flexibly.

If you want to read more and see the scientific evidence on which it is based the following blog is a good place to start

Rethinking how we feed garden birds | BTO

Springwell Lane scrap metal site Latest

It has been an eventful couple of months at the Metal Scrapyard adjacent to the Lake. Local residents supported by FoSL, The Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust and Affinity Water have been applying pressure to try to get action ahead of the proposed Court Case in 2029. This has led to hard hitting articles, first published in the Watford Observer but followed up in The Sunday Times (26th April). Then on 5th May a major fire broke out at the site and 80+ firefighters tackled the blaze. It was extinguished but the extent of the damage to the water table, canal and Lake is unclear. Hillingdon Council had already applied for an injunction, which we are pleased to inform you on was upheld on 8th May. In a letter to residents, Daniel Lord, the Planning Enforcement Team Leader (North) wrote : “I am happy to provide an outcome of today's hearing as follows: The Council successfully obtained an interim injunction against Springwell Lane Metal Recycling, it's director Martin Nolan and Mr Mark Green (an associate of the business).

Featured