Heron enjoys South Croydon sanctuary after planning victory

THIS heron is standing proud on its favourite rooftop, just months after a potentially devastating planning application was rejected.

Residents in Crossways, South Croydon, are relishing frequent visits from the grey heron, which swoops across their gardens with its 5ft wingspan – adding to an already blossoming wildlife.

Earlier this year, in June, the grey heron's perch was under threat as a developer put in an application for major redevelopment.

The proposal was to demolish the back garden of that property – and both properties on either side of it – and build a cul-de-sac between them.

At the time, 36 residents objected to the application and in August their victory was sealed when Croydon Council turned it down.

David Juster, who moved into the neighbourhood two years ago, said: "We're all glad the council listened to the objectors, for the wildlife's sake.

"We have all types of animals here, including foxes, badgers and unusual birds.

"But I thought the heron was unusual purely because it's so large and impressive when it swoops down across our garden.

"It comes by regularly, but I've only noticed it in the last year. Even our cats watch in awe."

There are about 30 to 40 grey herons in Croydon at the moment but no known heronry, so it is assumed that they fly over from the nearest one in Kelsey Park, Beckenham.

Herons tend to stick to watery areas, and are prevalent in South Norwood where there is a lake to feed from.

Their main diet is fish and frogs, but herons in Croydon have been known to swallow rabbits and once, in South Norwood Country Park, a baby Canada goose.

John Birkett, of Croydon branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), said: "This heron is probably going to its favourite spot to feed. They often perch on high treetops or roofs to breed, but that probably isn't what's happening in South Croydon as there is no heronry there.

"The grey heron is the most common type in these parts, although occasionally in South Norwood we do see the little egret."