This quiet stretch of the River Brent runs through Tokyngton Recreation Ground and St Raphael’s Open Space. It somehow manages to maintain a countryside feel alongside the busy chaos of the surrounding Wembley Stadium Industrial Estate. This is mainly thanks to a recent restoration of the river by the Environment Agency. Previously straightened to run in an artificial channel, the watercourse has been re-structured to create meanders and natural banks in place of the former vertical concrete walls.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Brent River Park, Wembley
Borough: Brent
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 9.07 ha
Description
Wildlife
On the newly-formed riverbanks wetland plants have established - some originally planted but others are colonising naturally. Along the water's edge, great reedmace, common reed and reed canary-grass can be found, together with purple loosestrife, gypsywort and hemp agrimony. Grey willow, crack willow and bramble offer cover for birds. Musk mallow and meadow buttercup occur in damp grassland nearby.The river meanders around the west margin of the site, here overhung in part by willows and ash trees. Moorhens and common darter dragonflies are often seen here.The drier habitats support greater burdock (uncommon in London), hoary willowherb, hedge woundwort, large-flowered evening-primrose and Canadian goldenrod. The common blue butterfly flies here as do a number of hoverfly and solitary bee species.Facilities
Information; cycle paths; playground; picnic table; public art.
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