An early start at the Farmlands had me walking along Parkside in the dark, snow crunching beneath my wellington boots. There’s a strange calm in that sound, even as the darkness sharpens every sense. You become alert to everything — real threats, imagined ones, and the familiar spectre of another birder asking the eternal question: “Seen anything?”
I wondered if fishermen do the same as they circle a lake, swapping exaggerated tales of monsters caught and lost. Maybe train spotters too. That thought occurred as an early train thundered through Hackbridge station on its northerly run to London — and let’s face it, who would willingly stop at Hackbridge?
The glow of Croydon’s light pollution pulled me onward like a poundshop Star of Bethlehem. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I also didn’t expect to be reminded so starkly how little protection this land — and its wildlife — actually has.
By the time I reached the mound, I told myself I’d give it a couple of hours. What followed made it clear that “nature watching” here has become something far darker.
Standing by the vismig hide, a fox burst past me, being actively hunted by three dogs. This wasn’t accidental. This wasn’t “dogs being dogs.” The Farmlands have long been plagued by people who treat wildlife as disposable — bows, arrows, catapults — all aimed at creatures already struggling to survive in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
I ran toward the fox, but within seconds its cries cut short. The dogs had done exactly what they were encouraged to do. Standing over the body was their owner, watching — complicit, unashamed, and entirely at ease with what had just happened.
I confronted him. I filmed the dogs. I filmed the fox lying limp in the snow. He fled back up the mound with his dogs, leaving me alone with the consequence of his actions.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. It never is. The landowners themselves have a history of shooting foxes here — stopping only after complaints were made. Enforcement is weak, accountability is nonexistent, and the message is clear: this kind of behaviour will be tolerated.
So next Sunday, and the Sunday after that, the same thing will likely happen again. Another fox. Another “incident.” Another shrug from those who should be protecting this land.
If the Farmlands are to be anything more than a killing ground disguised as green space, then this has to be called out. Wildlife doesn’t need more excuses. It needs protection, enforcement, and people willing to say that this — all of this — is unacceptable.
And then the ultimate insult after i had posted the news and videos on the groups WhatsApp page, a member contacted me saying ' its against the bird groups policy to confront anyone on site' what a prick
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