Heathrow Airport has announced a complete shutdown today, following a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation in Hayes.
The blaze, which started late Thursday night, led to the evacuation of approximately 150 people and left thousands of homes without power.
But more on that in a bit because there’s greater news to be had for everyone that lives in Putney: we are officially announcing Friday 21 March as Birdsong Day.
Without the approximately 1,300 flights going into and out of Heathrow every day, today is going to be peculiarly quiet under the flight path. Let’s enjoy it.
Who can you hear?
Who will be enjoying most is our feathered friends and they will let you know about it. This morning you can expect to hear: the melodic, flute-like, rich and mellow song of the Blackbird; the sweet, wistful and thin warble of the European Robin; the loud, clear “teacher-teacher” or the Great Tit, repetitive and bold; the slow and soothing cooing of the Wood Pigeon; and the lively, high-pitched trilling of the Blue Tit.
It’s very possible you will also hear some wrens and magpies taking advantage of the different sudden quiet. And if you live in Roehampton or closer toward Barnes, you will be able to catch the odd parakeet, goose, coot or moorhen.
if you’re reading this on a smartphone, our best recommendation is to get the Merlin Bird ID app and find out who is singing near you.
Studies have shown that airport noise can impair acoustic communication in birds, significantly affecting birdsong. This disruption can have cascading effects on local ecosystems, as birds rely on song for mating and territory defense. The continuous noise from aircraft can mask these vital communications, leading to potential declines in bird populations in affected areas.
Enjoy the peaceful day fellow Putney-ites and reflect on the fact that a third runway at Heathrow would mean even less peace and quiet.
Back to the fire
The London Fire Brigade dispatched ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters to tackle the incident, establishing a 200-metre safety cordon around the area.
In response to the power outage, Heathrow officials have closed the airport until 11:59 PM on March 21 to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Travelers are advised not to journey to the airport and to contact their respective airlines for further information. The closure has led to significant disruptions, with at least 120 flights already in the air being diverted to alternative airports, including Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Shannon in Ireland.
Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, typically handles over 1,300 take-offs and landings daily. The sudden closure is expected to have a ripple effect on global flight schedules, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Passengers are urged to stay updated through official channels and maintain communication with their airlines regarding rebooking and accommodation arrangements.
