Category Archives: Parks

Mudchute Farm and Park ~ country life in the heart of east London.

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in Family Activities, Free Activities, Parks, Tower Hamlets

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Mudchute Farm vistaArguably the largest urban farm in Europe, Mudchute Farm and Park provides 32 acres of open space in the heart of the docklands, providing open space, a farm experience, an equestrian centre,  World War II connections, nature and great views across the city.  Mudchute Park contains a wide range of habitats - including wetlands, woodlands, meadows and fields.  Consequently it offers a great range of biodiversity - both plant and wildlife.

History:  Named ‘Mudchute’ because of the area’s connection to the excavation of Millwall Dock when the excavated soil was literally conveyed here and dumped. As this wasteland became fertile it attracted wildlife and became a place for exploration.  The mudshute farm signMudchute Park & Farm was established by the local community who didn’t want to see this hidden wilderness area developed by the Greater London Authority who wanted to put housing estates here in the mid-1970s.  Their campaign to preserve the space was successful and in 1977 it started to take its current form as the newly formed Mudchute Association forested the land, introduced a city farm, and started to develop infrastructure.

Farm:  The farm houses a collection of British rare breeds with over 200 animals on site.  Visitors will be able to view the rare breeds, as well as other animals, throughout the farm’s barns, enclosures and fields.   For those who really want to get more insight into the workings of the farm consider booking a Farm Tour which is approximately 1 hour long.  The farm is open daily from 8-4 and admission is free.  The park is open all the time. For more information and for details on their special events occuring year round visit:  http://www.mudchute.org/

Equestrian Centre:  The Mudchute Equestrian Centre offers a range of horses and ponies for all abilities.  With an all-weather floodlit riding arena there are year round riding facilities.  There are also jumps and cross-country fences for those riders with interest in learning jumping.   Lessons are available for adults and children (7+) at all skill levels, including beginners. Contact for availability.

Mudchute during WWII:  During WWII, Mudchute had a battery of four anti-aircraft guns installed in an effort to defend the docks. Today, three of these sites are used as animal enclosures.  One site has recently been restored with an authentic anti-aircraft gun installed.  There is a series of displays with photographs, uniforms and memorabilia providing insight into this areas role during the war.

Cafe:  The onsite ‘Mudchute Kitchen’ offers freshly cooked items using seasonal ingredients, many sourced from local Kent farms.  Located in the courtyard, overlooking the horses , it provides a feel of the countryside without leaving the city.  The cafe opens at 9:30 am until 3:30 on weekdays (closed Mon) and 4:30 on weekends.

Located at:  Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP

Closest Transit:  Crossharbour DLR (not Mudchute) is the closest.

Rainham Marshes ~ an RSPB Nature Reserve

24 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by in Family Activities, Havering, Parks, Uncategorized

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There are very few ancient landscapes remaining anywhere in the Greater London area, but Rainham Marshes is one of them.  This landscape was untouched for centuries as it was set aside for a military firing range over 100 years ago.  Consequently the land form was unaltered and much of the natural habitat remains to this day.  The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) acquired responsibility for the land from the Ministry of Defence in 2000.   RSPB then set about transforming it into a useable nature reserve for people to visit.  Officially opened in 2006, Rainham Marshes is now the largest remaining expanse of wetlands bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary.  With approximately 1,015 acres of marshland, this reserve is an excellent place for Londoners who wish to experience nature.  Given that it is only 9 miles east of Canary Wharf, and the Orbit is clearly seen from here, this nature reserve is a stark contrast from the city on the horizon.

There are over 2.5 miles of boardwalk style nature trails making it is easy to get around the reserve.  When visiting you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.  Typical birds seen here include the Avocet, Lapwing, Little Egret and Ringed Plover.  Birds of prey, such as the Peregrine, and rare birds are regularly seen here too. Numerous mammals, including a large population of water voles, are found here too.

Visitor Centre:  The visitor centre has large picture-windows that look out across the marshes. Inside the centre are a shop, cafe and childrens play area.   There are also several bird hides within the reserve.

Events:  Special events are scheduled throughout the year with a focus on nature walks and birdwatching walks for novices to experts.  See their website for full details: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/index.aspx

Hours:  The Reserve is open: 1-Nov to 31-Mar 9:30 am - 4:30 pm and 1-Apr to 31-Oct 9:30 am - 5pm.  Admission fee for non-RSPB members is £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family.  RSPB members and Havering residents free.

Nearest Rail: Purfleet (on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street). The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the Riverside path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs ~ the first of their kind in the world

18 Sunday Nov 2012

Posted by in Bromley, Family Activities, Free Activities, Parks

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Located in a corner of Crystal Palace Park is a display that was revolutionary and groundbreaking in its day.  In 1854 an exhibition of life size sculptures was unveiled to the public portraying extinct mammals and dinosaurs as they were believed to have looked.  While today this may not seem significant given the prevalance of dinosaur imagery and films such as Jurassic Park, it must be noted that this was the first time in the world that such an attempt had been made.  While the displays are not considered anatomically correct today, they shaped peoples views at that time and they led to a greater desire to visualize the extinct species of the past.  Perhaps because of this exhibit the fascination with dinosaurs started that led to their ubiquitous appearance in modern culture.

In 1852 after the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace had closed (1851), the land was reshaped into a public park with lakes and ornamental gardens.  The scupltor, Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, was commissioned to create sculptures to place in the lakes’ islands - initially of extinct mammals but later expanded to include dinosaurs.  He based his creations on then current knowledge.  He received guidance from Richard Owen, a well known Paleontologist.  The dinosaurs were installed on islands that portrayed different eras in history - Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic.  The evolutionary progression illustrated was advanced for its day when you consider that On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin was published several years later.Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins' studio in Sydenha...

As a note of interest, Hawkins went to New York, USA and was commissioned to create a similar installation in Central Park.  Political action stopped the installation and rumor has it the dinosaur models ended up being buried in Central Park.  He then went on to work at the Smithsonian.

As the sculptures fell out of favour, they also fell into disrepair.  In the 1950s they received their first restoration, but also relocation throughout the park.  In 2002 a more complete archival restoration occured and the sculptures were returned to their island homes.  There are currently 15 extinct species on display and they are now Grade I listed.  They have been referenced in plenty of literature ranging from Paul Theroux to Dorothy Sayers.  They can be viewed in the south east corner of Crystal Palace Park.

There is also a museum in the park that provides some history on the exhibit.  See http://www.crystalpalacemuseum.org.uk/ for more information.

The park is open year round during daylight hours.  Admission free.

Located at: Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace, SE19 2BA

Closest rail: Penge West or Crystal Palace (London Overground)

Lavender Pond Nature Park & Reserve

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by in Family Activities, Free Activities, Parks, Southwark

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Lavender Pond Nature Park is a small urban oasis providing a haven for wildlife, as well as a mini-rurual escape and an educational resource.  The Nature Park was created in 1981 by Southwark Council and is located in a portion of the old Surrey Commercial Docks.  These docks were once the centre of Britain’s timber trade and Lavender Pond was an expanse of shallow water where timber was floated to prevent it from drying out.  The original entrance was under a moveable bridge on Rotherhithe Street which provided access to small boats.   When the Port of London regulated water levels throughout the docks through the use of a newly built Pump House in the 1920s, the entrance to Lavender Pond was closed off.

Today Lavender Pond reminds the visitor of the typical wetland habitats that were prevalent along the Thames before the development of the river banks from the 16th Century onwards.   This particular section of the Thames - Surrey Commercial Docks - evolved significantly in the 18th and 19th Centuries - with the building of the major docks - Greenland (1703), Russia (1810), Norway (1811), & Canada (1876).  In addition to these key docks three shallow timber ponds were created - known as Acorn (1811), Lavender (1815) and Quebec (1926).  Collectively, most natural waterscapes were lost to development.

Given the importance of the docks, they were heavily damaged in WWII.  Since then the area has gone through various phases of redevelopment and regeneration.  Surrey Docks’ 350 acre expanse officially closed in 1970.  By the 1980s, the Pumphouse was in significant disrepair, and the timber ponds had been mostly filled in.  But then efforts began to restore the area and the Lavender timber pond was restored back to that of a wetland area - with open water, marsh, reed beds etc..

Today Lavender Pond Nature Park covers 2.5 acres with a variety of ecological habitats.  Wooden boardwalks enable visitors to enjoy the park without impacting the ecosystem.

For more information see their website: http://www.urbanecology.org.uk/

Located at: Lavender Road / Salter Road, Rotherhithe SE16 5DZ

Closest tube: Canada Water or Bus 381 or Hilton Docklands Pier (ferry)

Valentine’s Mansion, Gardens and Park

26 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by in Artistic Venues, Gardens, Historic Buildings, Museums (Historical), Parks, Redbridge

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Within a short tube or rail ride from central London, you can escape to a country home in magnificent gardens and parkland.  With a wide range of activities, and none of the crowds of better known London stately homes and parks, this is worth a trip.

The House: The house (Grade II) was built in 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson after her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury, died.  Valentines has changed hands many times since then.  In the 1720s, a city merchant and banker bought the estate and created the  many of the garden features, included the walled gardens.  In the 1760s, another owner modified the appearance of the home to create its current Georgian look.  The last private owner died in 1906, and the property was acquired by the local Council in 1912.  Used for various public purposes over the years (wartime refugee camp, hospital, and council housing).  By the 1980s it fell into disuse and through much of the 90s and early 2000s it was essentially abandoned and empty.  Tremendous expenditures from Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery fund have transformed Valentine’s Mansion and its grounds to the current venue that it is - one that offer both a historical perspective, but also contemporary functionality.  Within the home there are Georgian rooms to explore and a wonderful Victorian kitchen has been recreated.  The top floor of Valentine’s Mansion has been converted to artists’ studios which supports the focus on art exhibits and art related special events held within the mansion (map image from www.valentinesmansion.com ). 

The Gardens: The gardens are also Grade II listed.  They include an historic kitchen garden, old English walled gardens and the Victorian rose garden.  In the expansive park grounds beyond the house’s gardens, there is a ’Long Water’ canal, rococo grottoes and expansive walking trails. Valentine’s gardens also provide a setting for events throughout the year, from open-air theatre to farmers’ markets. Within the historic kitchen garden is the Cottager’s Cafe - open from 10-6 (or sunset if earlier) - offering light food and drinks.

Special Events:  Regardless of the season, there are special events throughout the year.  They range from music and art festivals, to guided tours of the house and gardens, to farmers’ markets and to childrens activities.

The Park and Gardens are open daily year round, and the Mansion opens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (10am to 5pm), and Sundays (11am to 4pm).  Admission is free.  See their website for more details and specific event information: www.valentinesmansion.com

Located at: Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA

Closest tube:  Gants Hill (Central Line) or Rail: Ilford Stn (15 mins from Liverpool St)

Bonnington Square “Pleasure Garden”

30 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by in Lambeth, Parks

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From the mid 17th Century to the mid 19th Century, Vauxhall was the site of London’s famous ‘Pleasure Garden’ - an immensely popular place that attracted thousands for walks, entertainment, food and drink - and romantic outings!  The gardens became part of popular culture and are referenced in the writings of Pepys, Dickens and Thackeray.  In the mid-1800s bankruptcy led to the sale and demise of the gardens.  Over a century and half later the ‘Pleasure Garden’ name was resurrected for a plot of land at Bonnington Square in homage to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens which existed just to the north of this location (of which Vauxhall Spring Gardens are a fractional remnant of).

The northwest corner of the houses encircled by Bonnington Square road was destroyed in WW II by bombs, after which the land transferred to the council.  With only minor efforts by the council to make this a park in the 1970′s through the installation of swings and seats, the park was abandoned, ignored and fell into disrepair.  After an application by a building contractor to use the site for storage residents realized there was a risk of losing the land and its potential.  The Bonnington Square Garden Association was formed, and in 1994, after obtaining money from a joint Government and Local Council scheme, the land was converted to the ‘Pleasure Garden’.

The design of the garden was done by several local residents, with experience in film, art and horticulture, and an Architectural firm.  It includes a play area for children, seating areas and the feeling of an escape from the city. Within the garden is a classic piece of Industrial Revolution Art - a large wheel - dating from the 1860′s. It was rescued from a nearby marble factory where it was used to ‘wet cut’ marble.  The garden is open from morning to evening, open to all and is lit up at night with up-lighters and fairy lights that transform it into a place of serene magic. Occaisional special events occur here, such as Choral music performances.  The garden is locked at night. It is exclusively maintained by the residents and BSG Association which is open for anyone to join.  The BSG Association extended their efforts to the “Paradise Project”, extending the garden’s philosophy out into the surrounding neighbourhood by planting trees, vines,  and street gardens in all available spaces.  The Pleasure Garden and surrounding area illustrate the success that can come from community involvement.  In addition to the garden, local cafes and coffee shops make this a pleasant destination.

See their website for more details: www.bonningtonsquaregarden.org.uk

Location: Bonnington Square, Vauxhall, London

Closest tube: Vauxhall

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

10 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by in Kensington & Chelsea, Parks

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For individuals seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the west end, and the crowds of other parks, Holland Park is a worthwhile destination.  It contains a unique blend of open space, ornate gardens and woodland.  Within this park, is the Kyoto Peace garden.  The park is spread across 54 acres of what used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the woods. It was built by Sir Walter Cope in the early 17th century, who became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James 1. It was renamed Holland House after the Earl of Holland’s wife Lady Rich inherited the property.  Holland House was badly damaged during World War II. One wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A remaining section of the front terrace is now used as a distinct backdrop for the park’s summertime open-air theatre productions and classical concerts.

Just north of the house’s more formal gardens is the Kyoto garden - designed and built by an eminent Japanese Garden designer and his team to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992.  It has been updated by a team of gardeners from Kyoto in 2001.  It provides a circular walkway (go clockwise per the signed guidance for the correct experience), a koi pond, waterfall and seating areas.  Originally it was a co-operative project between the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in Japan.  It provides an incredibly peaceful place to be and a distinct escape from the city.

The park is open from 7:30 am daily.

Closest tube:  High Street Kensington

Red Cross Garden

05 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by in Parks, Southwark

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Red Cross Garden is a newly restored community garden, originally laid out in 1887 by Octavia Hill - a social reformer, especially concerned with providing adequate housing for the poor of London as well as providing open spaces.  She was also a founder of the National Trust.  Red Cross Garden was laid out on the site of a burnt down paper factory and a derelict warehouse. Meandering paths were designed to give a sense of space and a place to wander amongst the curved lawns and flower beds. An ornamental pond was made with a fountain to provide beauty and movement, offering a focus for contemplation.  A bandstand provided for performances of music and poetry.  Colourful mosaics brought art and beauty to the working poor – The Sower mosaic still remains.  The charming cottages on the far side of the garden (built in 1887 by Elijah Poole) were built as part of Octavia Hill’s pioneering goal to provide housing for the working classes.

The historic layout of Red Cross Garden was lost under municipal grass and tarmac by the late 1940s and became much underused. The Bankside Open Spaces Trust secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southwark Council and completed most of the ‘restoration in spirit’ of the garden, restoring many of its original features, but ensuring its relevance and sustainability for the local people of Southwark today.  The garden was officially opened by the Princess Royal on 1st June 2006. Since then a regular group of volunteers helps to maintain the garden and has developed tours of the key historic details of the scheme, along with regular after-school clubs, poetry readings, celebrations, and events.  For information on events held at the park, visit: www.bost.org.uk

Located at: Redcross Way, Borough

Closest Tube: Borough

The Chase Nature Reserve & the Millennium Centre

26 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Barking & Dagenham, Parks

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The Chase Local Nature Reserve covers 48.5 hectares and offers a diverse mix of habitats. Shallow wetlands, woodland, grassland and the River Rom support an abundance of wildlife.  The Chase borders the Eastbrookend and Beam Valley Country Parks together forming a regionally important area for wildlife.  Birds receive the most attention with over 190 species recorded in the last 50 years.  Kingfishers, skylark, little ringed plover and lapwing all breed here but The Chase is best known for its rare visitors during the migration periods such as pine bunting, great snipe and spotted crake.  Other animals include water voles, great crested newts, slow worms and badgers.  The Chase has a number of important plants. The easiest of these to spot is the Black Poplar tree. The site contains 6 of only 600 female trees left in the United Kingdom. Other notable plants include spiny restharrow, warty cabbage and black mustard.

Located just off Dagenham Road, between Eastbrookend Country Park and The Chase is the Millennium Centre - a visitor and education centre, which is open to the public throughout the year.  The building itself is a permanent exhibition of ecological principles as well as housing educational displays in its public spaces.  Interpretation includes an introduction to the history of the site, information on the design and construction of the building along with environmentally themed educational displays.  There is a viewing gallery complete with a wildlife room on the upper level.

There is also a Cafe at the Millennium Centre.  Visitors can enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in a picturesque setting.  The Café is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm.

For more information on The Chase go to the website: http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/LeisureArtsAndLibraries/Parksandcountryside/Pages/TheChase.aspx

Closest Tube: Dagenham East

Bushy Park ~ the 2nd largest Royal Park

24 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by in Parks, Richmond upon Thames, Royal London

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Certainly not a park that always comes to mind when thinking of Royal London Parks, but Bushy Park, at 1,100 acres (445 hectares) is the second largest Royal park in London (Richmond is the largest).

Lying just north of Hampton Court Palace, there are plenty of things to do in this park.  Key attractions include the deer parks, Diana fountain, fishing, model boating ponds, horse riding, swimming pool, cycling path and sporting events. 

There is a cafe at the Pheasantry Welcome Centre and there are several refreshment centres in the park serving food and drink.   The park is home to the Teddington Rugby and Hockey clubs, and four cricket clubs. 

One of the highlights is Chestnut Avenue, laid out in 1699 by Sir Christopher Wren as part of the design for a grand approach to Hampton Court.  There are also both woodland and water gardens to explore.  Five historical self-guided audio tours are available (see the Welcome Centre for details).  Bushy Park is one of only two Royal parks open 24 hours a day (Green Park is the other).

Go to their website for more details: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy-park/

Closest Rail: Hampton Court, Hampton, Hampton Wick, or Teddington (depending upon the point of entry to the park)

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