Space to Visit

The country park is an extremely attractive 73 hectare landscaped man-made amenity, part park and part nature reserve. Completed in 1995 following a massive revitalisation project, it was the largest open space created in London during the 20th Century and features extensive grounds, low hills, trees and lakes in a very pleasant setting. Despite being close to Heathrow Airport it is untroubled by aircraft noise as there are no flight paths over it. Features include a nature reserve, several lakes, wildflower meadows, fishing lake, children’s playground, dog exercise area, car park and information centre. Most of the park is accessible to those with disabilities via flat ground or pathways. The site was part of a large orchard in the late 1800’s, which supplied Covent Garden market with fruit until the 1920’s. Today it is being developed as a water-focussed nature reserve, with 73 hectares acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakes imaginatively created from a former waste tip. Over 300 plants and 140 bird species have been recorded in the park, an amazing total given the site’s recent industrial history, and each year something new is discovered.