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An update on Our Space!

12th February 2020

We are working with the London Friends of Greenspaces Network to support park friends groups, including through the goparks.london website. Since the launch in 2019 we have been searching for inspirational projects.  Here are some of our favourites so far…..


The first project began in November 2016 when the Friends of Albert Road Recreation Ground in Haringey announced an addition to their park – a new pond! This received support from the national charity Froglife and their London Dragon Finder project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The area around the pond is planted with native wild flowers, with a ‘dipping platform’ and interpretation boards making the pond a great place to relax and learn.

At New Southgate Millennium Green in North London local volunteers wanted a picnic table that was sturdy and hard to steal, with low environmental impact and within a budget of £10!  Thanks to some bright sparks and wooden pallets this was achieved! The table is centred around a cherry tree, so it isn’t going anywhere, and is well shaded in summer.  It is already well-loved by local residents.  Its designer, Harry Blackma,n says: “Watching hundreds of people use something I designed and created gives me a very positive feeling.”

The final project to highlight was carried out by the Friends of Wimbledon Park who came together to help restore Horse Close Wood, which is at least 300 years old.  On a cold, wet February weekend, 100 volunteers planted 1,000 trees to mark the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown, who designed the park, to extend the wood and screen the car park.  The Friends also undertake monthly litter picks. 

Find out more by signing up to the LFGN newsletter, which will feature good practice case studies from parks friends groups around London as well as information on Open Days hosted by friends groups during 2018.  You can also read about the Our Space! launch event on the events pages of this site.