NEW BEEHIVES have been installed on a run-down football pitch as part of the creation of a nature reserve. Five hives have been installed at what was formerly Woodcroft sports ground.

The apiary is being run by Enfield charity called Woodcroft Wildspace (WW) which has adopted the five-acre pitch that between Broad Walk and Woodland Way, Winchmore Hill.

The honey will be available from next year and will be sold at events taking place at the reserve.

The news comes after the announcement that horticultural experts from Capel Manor College were creating London's first vineyard since medieval times at Forty Hall farm and that wine would be produced and sold locally.

The charity, who want to use the site to educate people about wildlife, signed a three-year lease for the site in November last year, plans to create nature trails through managed woodland, wetland and meadow areas on what was once flood-prone disused land.

The charity says the site had been under threat from commercial development until recently.

WW chairman, Bob Ladell, said: “We are delighted to secure the short term future of a project that has many opportunities for everyone of all ages and capabilities to enjoy the variety of local animal and plant life, including honey from, in due course, Woodcroft bees.”

“There are many opportunities to enjoy the Wildspace just through visiting it and making a record of what you see of the wildlife like birds, insects, plants and their changes throughout the year.”

Plans are afoot to install webcams to show the reserve in online broadcasts. There will be teaching facilities and play areas.