Lake Farm Country Park

Last updated

Lake Farm Country Park
Bird Sculpture at Lake Farm Park, Hayes - geograph.org.uk - 8469.jpg
Ben Dearnley's skylark sculpture
Lake Farm Country Park
Type Public park
Location Hayes, Hillingdon,
Greater London
Coordinates 51°30′42″N0°25′50″W / 51.51167°N 0.43056°W / 51.51167; -0.43056 Coordinates: 51°30′42″N0°25′50″W / 51.51167°N 0.43056°W / 51.51167; -0.43056
Created2002 (2002) [1]
Operated by London Borough of Hillingdon
StatusOpen year round
ParkingOne car park

Lake Farm Country Park is an expanse of green belt land approximately 60 acres in size fringed by trees and the Grand Union Canal, situated in the south of Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon. Its formal status as a country park dates back to September 2002.

Contents

In 2014 an area of the park was developed as an academy school by Hillingdon Council. The development was controversial, since the site was classed as green-belt land, and several protests were held against the plans. Despite opposition, the application was approved in 2013, [2] and construction continued throughout 2014. [3] The school opened in late 2014. [4]

The former common land site was located approximately 0.5 km to the south of Wood End, Hayes, immediately to the north of the canal. It was bounded by Dawley Road in the west, Botwell Common Road to the north, and Botwell Lane to the east.

The Country Park had ten formal pedestrian entrances along Dawley, Botwell Common Road, the Grand Union Canal and Botwell Lane. It also had two bridleway entrances: one off Botwell Common Road and one off Dawley Road.

History

Before 1814 the area of Lake Farm formed part of Botwell Common, an unenclosed area of common land for use by the parishioners of Hayes. In 1814 the land was enclosed and divided up into a number of parcels, the greater part of the site going to John Baptist Shackle. Two large gravel pits were present on the site at this time (occupying 7 and 5 acres), in areas subsequently occupied by formal public open space. It is likely that the remnant hedges along the edges of these areas were enclosure hedges, which would have been planted around this time. [1]

Lake Farm was so-named owing to an ornamental lake that was located beyond the north-east corner of the site, in the grounds of Lake House, which was owned by Thomas Shackle. The lake was filled in 1954.

By around 1850 the Shackle family were operating brickworks over most of the current Lake Farm site. These were backfilled with clay and other materials, and after the Second World War the site was used for the testing of radar equipment for armoured vehicles. The Thorn EMI company continued to use the site until the early 1990s and relics of the testing facilities remain on site, including a testing tower and a derelict trailer.

Much of the site was formerly managed as arable land, but was latterly entered into set aside and developed as grassland, being cut annually for hay by the agricultural tenant. [1]

Lake Farm was formally made a country park in September 2002, after years of campaigning to save it from development. [5]

School development

On 25 February 2012 more than 100 local residents took to the streets to protest about Hillingdon Council's plan to build a primary school in the park, in open defiance of its own Green Belt policy. Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell led a march from the spot earmarked for the building - the green in Botwell Lane, Hayes - to the town centre. [6] Since announcing its intentions, Hillingdon Council has stood firm in the face of public discontent, confirming in August 2012 that "the planning application [was] being tweaked." [7]

In January 2013, a GLA report demonstrated that Hillingdon Council's plan to build on Lake Farm was in jeopardy, and London's Mayor Boris Johnson raised major concerns over the council's plan to build on Lake Farm. Transport for London also recognised that parents dropping off their children would cause major congestion and bus-service disruption. [8]

On 5 March 2013, in a stormy council meeting, the Conservative majority of Hillingdon Council's planning committee members approved the application to build a school on the park, despite residents and Hayes ward councillors expressing their anger in the chamber. Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell was one of five petitioners who spoke on behalf of hundreds of campaigners to strongly oppose the idea of building on Lake Farm. Speaking after the meeting, Mr McDonnell observed: "It was not democratic, and I've never seen a council meeting descend into such a shambles . . . The council's agenda is clear - once they have built on one part, they will come back for more." [9]

The Uxbridge Gazette reported on 24 April 2013 that London's Mayor Boris Johnson, who at the beginning of the year had raised major concerns about the idea of building on Lake Farm, would not intervene in Council plans to build a school on three hectares of green belt land, at the eastern end of Lake Farm Country Park. The Mayor's approval infuriated John McDonnell MP, who called it a "disgraceful betrayal of our local community." Conservative leader of the council Ray Puddifoot claimed: "Opponents of the scheme have been given every opportunity to come up with an alternative site, but nothing feasible has materialised so we need to press ahead with the agreed proposal." [10]

Flora and fauna

Most of the site is open grassland and shrubs, which Hillingdon Council have described as "important for wildlife". [1] A trim trail ran through the site, which was recognisable by its skylark sculpture.

The site has a diverse habitat structure, including areas of ditch, hedgerow, grassland and ruderal/tall herbs.

Lake Farm is a popular habitat for birds. It is home to skylarks, which are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for threatened species. [1] In July 2012 birdwatchers descended on the park to catch a glimpse of a red-backed shrike, which is extremely rare in the United Kingdom. [11]

Facilities and features

The Country Park features a bird sculpture by Ben Dearnley, who came to prominence as Official Olympic Artist for London's 2012 Olympics.

Two areas of more formal open space are situated in the north-western and north-eastern corners of the park, which includes short-mown grass, planted trees and a children's play area.

Circular footpaths link in with local roads and the canal, and the area is popular for dog walking as can be seen by the presence of dog bins. There is a BMX track on the western edge of the site.

Transport

Buses

The A10 and H50 use Dawley Road, and U4 and 350 use Botwell Lane. Hayes town centre is 500m away, with its many other regular bus services.

Train

The closest train station is Hayes and Harlington which is a little over 1 km walk along the canal.

Car

A car park is present off Dawley Road, which is only opened for events. Informal parking is allowed on the drive leading to the car park at other times.

Management

The area has a Management Advisory Group, and a Friends of Lake Farm Country Park Group.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowley, London</span> Suburban village in the United Kingdom

Cowley is a village contiguous with the town of Uxbridge in the London Borough of Hillingdon. A largely suburban village with 16 listed buildings, Cowley is 15.4 miles (24.8 km) west of Charing Cross, bordered to the west by Uxbridge Moor in the Green Belt and the River Colne, forming the border with Buckinghamshire. Cowley was an ancient parish in the historic county of Middlesex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harlington, London</span> Human settlement in England

Harlington is a district of Hayes the London Borough of Hillingdon and one of five historic parishes partly developed into London Heathrow Airport and associated businesses, the one most heavily developed being Harmondsworth. It is centred 13.6 miles (21.9 km) west of Charing Cross. The district adjoins Hayes to the north and shares a railway station with the larger district, which is its post town, on the Great Western Main Line. It is in the west of the county of Greater London and until 1965 it was in the south-west corner of the historic county of Middlesex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ickenham</span> Human settlement in England

Ickenham is an area in Greater London, forming the northern part of Uxbridge and within the London Borough of Hillingdon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northwood, London</span> Area in the London Borough of Hillingdon

Northwood is an area in the London Borough of Hillingdon, located 14.5 miles (23.3 km) north-west of Charing Cross. Northwood was part of the ancient parish of Ruislip, Middlesex. The area was situated on on the historic Middlesex boundary with Hertfordshire, and since being incorporated into Greater London in 1965, has been on the Greater London boundary with that county.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uxbridge</span> Town in the west of Greater London, England

Uxbridge is a suburban town in west London and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Hillingdon. Situated 15.4 miles (24.8 km) west-northwest of Charing Cross, it is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. Uxbridge formed part of the parish of Hillingdon in the county of Middlesex, and was a significant local commercial centre from an early time. As part of the suburban growth of London in the 20th century it expanded and increased in population, becoming a municipal borough in 1955, and has formed part of Greater London since 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yiewsley</span> Suburban village in the United Kingdom

Yiewsley is a large suburban village in the London Borough of Hillingdon, England, 2 miles (3 km) south of Uxbridge, the borough's commercial and administrative centre. Yiewsley was a chapelry in the ancient parish of Hillingdon, Middlesex. The population of the ward was 12,979 at the 2011 Census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London Borough of Hillingdon</span> London borough in United Kingdom

The London Borough of Hillingdon is the largest and westernmost borough in West London, England. It was formed in 1965 from the districts of Hayes and Harlington, Ruislip-Northwood, Uxbridge, and Yiewsley and West Drayton in the ceremonial county of Greater London. Today, Hillingdon is home to Heathrow Airport and Brunel University, and is the second largest of the 32 London boroughs by area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hayes, Hillingdon</span> Human settlement in England

Hayes is a town in west London. Historically situated within the county of Middlesex, it is now part of the London Borough of Hillingdon. The town's population, including its localities Hayes End, Harlington and Yeading, was recorded in the 2011 census as 83,564. It is situated 13 miles (21 km) west of Charing Cross, or 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of Slough. Hayes is served by the Great Western Main Line, and Hayes & Harlington railway station is on the Elizabeth line. The Grand Union Canal flows through the town centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hillingdon</span> Suburban area within the London Borough of Hillingdon

Hillingdon is an area of Uxbridge within the London Borough of Hillingdon, centred 14.2 miles (22.8 km) west of Charing Cross. It was an ancient parish in Middlesex that included the market town of Uxbridge. During the 1920s the civil parish bore a rapid, planned increase in population and housing, and was absorbed by Uxbridge Urban District in 1929. It has formed part of Greater London since 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hayes and Harlington (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1950 onwards

Hayes and Harlington is a constituency in the west of London represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 1997 by John McDonnell of the Labour Party, who also served as the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2015 to 2020.

The London Borough of Hillingdon is responsible for 239 parks and open spaces within its boundaries. Since much of the area is within the Green Belt, there are large areas of land properly called open space. They range in size from the Colne Valley corridor to the smallest gardens and playing fields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hayes and Harlington Urban District</span> Administrative area in Middlesex, England

Hayes and Harlington was a local government, urban district in west Middlesex, England from 1904 to 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A312 road</span> Road in London

The A312 is an A road in England, running across west London from Hampton to Harrow. Its status varies from a local urban street to a major dual carriageway in Hayes. Part the road has been diverted to make way for Heathrow Airport, while another stretch was originally planned to be Ringway 3, one of four major ring motorways around London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stockley Park</span> Pioneering suburban business and public park in the United Kingdom

Stockley Park is a business estate and public country park located between Hayes, Yiewsley and West Drayton in the London Borough of Hillingdon. In August 2020 it was listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England as Grade II. Stockley Park is the home of the VAR hub.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Vinyl Factory</span>

The Old Vinyl Factory is a complex of buildings formerly owned by the British music company EMI in Hayes, within the London Borough of Hillingdon. The site was originally purchased by Gramophone and Typewriter Ltd and the buildings were designed by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners in the early 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barra Hall Park</span>

Barra Hall Park is an 11.06-hectare (27.3-acre) formal park situated near the centre of Hayes in the ward of Townfield in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The park came into existence in December 1923.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman Leddy Memorial Gardens</span>

The Norman Leddy Memorial Gardens in Hayes is one of Hillingdon Borough's designated gardens of excellence. In September 2010, the Gardens earned a gold award for Best London Small Park in the London in Bloom competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minet Country Park</span> Park in Hillingdon, London

Minet Country Park is a 36-hectare park on Springfield Road, Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon; it is situated between the A312 and the Uxbridge Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coat of arms of the London Borough of Hillingdon</span>

The coat of arms of the London Borough of Hillingdon is the official symbol of the London Borough of Hillingdon. They use elements from the coats of arms of the four previous districts. It is described as:

Arms: Per pale Gules and Vert an Eagle displayed per pale Or and Argent in the dexter claw a Fleur-de-lis Or and in the sinister claw a Cog-Wheel Argent on a Chief Or four Civic Crowns Vert.

Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours issuant from a Circlet of Brushwood Sable a demi-Lion Gules with wings Argent the underside of each wing charged with a Cross Gules and holding between the paws a Bezant thereon a Mullet Azure.

Supporters: On the dexter side an Heraldic Tiger Or gorged with an Astral Crown Azure and charged on the shoulder with a Rose Gules charged with another Argent barbed and seeded proper and on the sinister side a Stag proper attired and gorged with a Circlet of Brushwood and charged on the shoulder with two Ears of Rye slipped in saltire Or.

Motto: Forward.

References

Citations
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Lake Farm Country Park". London Borough of Hillingdon. 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  2. ↑ Griffith, Jack (6 March 2013). "Fury as Hillingdon Council approves green belt school at Lake Farm". GetWestLondon. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  3. ↑ Drewett, Zoe (8 August 2014). "Final bricks are laid at new sustainable school in Hayes". Get West London. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  4. ↑ Drewett, Zoe (8 August 2014). "Final bricks are laid at new sustainable school in Hayes". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  5. ↑ McDonnell, John (5 August 2011). "Local MP, John McDonnell, has Launched the Battle to Save Lake Farm from Attack by the Council" . Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  6. ↑ Griffith, Jack (29 February 2012). "Residents rally against Lake Farm school plans". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  7. ↑ Griffith, Jack (22 August 2012). "Lake Farm school plans 'due within weeks'". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  8. ↑ Griffith, Jack (30 January 2013). "Boris throws future of Lake Farm into doubt". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  9. ↑ Griffith, Jack (6 March 2013). "Fury as Hillingdon Council approves green belt school at Lake Farm". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  10. ↑ Griffith, Jack (24 April 2013). "Boris's approval is a 'disgraceful betrayal' says Labour MP". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  11. ↑ Hayes, Alan (13 July 2012). "'Incredibly rare' Red Backed Shrike spotted at Lake Farm". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.