This is a very large open space, with a refreshing airy quality in an extremely densely built up area. It is a good demonstration of sensitive landscaping contributing wildlife value to an open space designed primarily for sport. Most of the site is laid out for sporting use, including artificial pitches on the western side and tennis courts along the northern side. A wide grassy green, accessible both for formal sports and informal recreation, takes up much of the eastern part. There is a very attractive, secluded rose garden in the southeast corner, and several areas of rough grass and shrubbery for dog exercise around the boundary. Paddington Recreation Ground won a Green Flag Award again for 20089.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Paddington Recreation Ground
Borough: Westminster
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 10.44 ha
Description
Wildlife
The most valuable features of the park include the original parkland trees, including several avenues of mature London planes and an old poplar on the western boundary. This is enhanced by the planting of a broad native hedge, which includes field maple, hazel, guelder-rose, oak, wild cherry and dog rose between the tennis courts and the 'village green', with a scrub belt including taller species such as birch, alder and hazel on raised ground south of the car park. These add a rural quality to the landscape and should develop into a good scrub habitat for small birds. Old hedges, providing additional nesting cover, have also been retained. There is a fair range of low growing wildflowers, including slender trefoil, selfheal, cat's-ear and four species of speedwells, in the rose garden lawn, suggesting acid soils.Breeding birds include blackbird, chaffinch, greenfinch, dunnock, robin and wren, and kestrels are frequent visitors.Facilities
Car parking; Dog free area; Children's play area; Refreshments.
Paddington Recreation Ground © Westminster City Council
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