A new nature reserve takes shape: residents hope to restore and improve the Northcote Avenue Recreation Ground, aka the ‘Pit Park’.
Residents are hoping to transform the Northcote Avenue Recreation Ground, known locally as the ‘Pit Park’, into a landscaped area and nature reserve. Although just within the borough of Hounslow, the park faces Richmond across the River Crane, the middle of which marks the borough boundary. For this reason it has always been used by residents of North St Margarets as well as their Hounslow neighbours, being for many their nearest open space.
Originally a recreation ground for the Worple estate, the park has since deteriorated and is now used mainly by dog walkers. Working with Hounslow Council, a new residents’ group, Friends of Northcote Nature Reserve have drawn up an outline proposal for the space and residents are currently being consulted for feedback.
The landscaping plan was created by local resident Dean Griffiths, Architect at Astronaut Kawada, whose garden backs onto the park. It includes improved signage, entrance and pathways, a wildflower meadow and a habitat for wildlife along the neighbouring River Crane. The overall aim is to make it a space that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
For Friends group Chair Vanessa Smith this is a welcome opportunity to breath new life into this currently neglected space:”Our aim is to create something really special for local people and wildlife.”
Local tradition states that the open space was once a Victorian rubbish dump, hence its ‘Pit Park’ nickname. Ponies were grazed on the land in 2014 but were moved to another part of the borough at the end of 2015. Since then, the space has been closed pending rolling and reseeding by Hounslow Council once the weather is drier.
The park is next to the tidal stretch of the River Crane, designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for its biodiversity and, in particular, its rare aquatic plants. As the Crane marks the boundary between Richmond and Hounslow boroughs, the project will include residents from both boroughs.
The results of the consultation will be discussed at a forthcoming public meeting and the Friends group hopes to work with other local and national environmental groups to bring the project to fruition, including the Environment Agency, London Wildlife Trust and Thames 21.
Comments
It will be lovely to have this space back for dog walkers and local people to enjoy now the ponies have been moved to a more suitable location for them. A key to success will be stopping the 'anti-social behaviour' that goes on down the adjacent lane and makes it less safe than it should be down there.
Helen on 2016-03-24 18:29:04 +0000Two months after the report of this consultation was written, I have recently been sent a copy.
I note that:
Though the report appears to be detailed, I discovered today that further responses, including my own, were not included, despite assurances that they would be, because they were not submitted on the online form.
This all looks a bit worrying for local democracy, doesn't it? There is a real danger we will be led by well meaning enthusiasts into something which just simply will not work for the people most affected.
We are amongst Richmond residents closest to the open space, and have a lot of experience of its use - and abuse - over the years. There can be noone keener than us to find a solution which benefits local people at a manageable and sensible cost to the public purse. However, we do not feel that what has thus far been proposed is realistic, and cannot see how it will achieve its stated aims (for example, "to increase security and reduce anti social behaviour" and "to encourage wildlife to flourish"). As long term residents we are very concerned in particular about the proposal to move the fence towards the river, on a bank already eroding thanks to the neglect of Hounslow Council over several years, as well as the idea of viewing points for dog walkers at the back of our house.
If you are interested or concerned in what is being proposed, please find time to come to the public meeting at 7:30pm on 19th May at All Souls' church, Northcote Road.
Ben Driver on 2016-05-10 22:02:29 +0000...and some of us miss the ponies!
Ben Driver on 2016-05-10 22:04:18 +0000Does anyone know how far towards St Margarets roundabout this "nature reserve" is meant to extend to?
Elizabeth on 2016-05-16 10:28:37 +0000Add a comment