Lordship Recreation Ground, Tottenham's largest park, has been transformed from a neglected, unsafe eyesore into a thriving £7 million nature haven, according to the Friends of Lordship Rec community group. The park, located next to the Broadwater Farm estate in a heavily urban area with high levels of deprivation, now features meadows, woodland, an orchard, and a food growing garden.
From Dereliction to Community Hub
When the Friends of Lordship Rec group formed in 2001, the park was in a state of severe decline. Chairman David Morris described it as a “neglected, unsafe eyesore.” The buildings were derelict, there was no biodiversity in what was a very traditional, tightly mown recreation ground, and the council was considering cutting down the woodland to stop antisocial behaviour.
With the help of £7 million in lottery and other funding, the park now boasts a community-run hub, play areas, sports facilities, and a restored natural environment. A channel restoring a section of one of London's buried rivers runs between willows and wildflower meadows rich in butterflies and other insects. Paths lead through the woodland for runners and dog walkers, and the former boating lake is now managed as a nature feature.
Biodiversity Boost for People and Wildlife
The friends group co-manages the park with Haringey Council, leading on a “phenomenal” transformation in biodiversity. The park has been designated as a site of importance for nature conservation at a borough level, Mr Morris said.
“Being in nature has an amazing positive effect, immediate effect,” he said. “And it helps in terms of attracting people into the green space to enjoy the other facilities. But also obviously it’s good for wildlife in all its forms.” He added: “Also in the light of the climate crisis, particularly as we’ve experienced this summer with the heat, the more vegetation, greenery and biodiversity, the cooler it makes it. It’s an area that people can go to.”
Community Empowerment and Education
Community empowerment is at the heart of the group’s approach, ensuring local people feel a sense of ownership and have the option to be actively involved in looking after the space. Dozens of regular volunteers take part in caring for the park. Activities include bat walks, a birders’ group, and “bioblitzes” with local school pupils to “excite and educate young children with the joys of nature”.
Mr Morris, who is also chairman of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, the umbrella organisation for the 7,000 friends of parks groups around the country, said there was a lot of enthusiasm for developing biodiversity in all public green spaces where possible. He said the Government should be increasing money to local authorities and ensuring parks are properly funded.
National Push for Green Space Access
“Every neighbourhood should have access to a public green space,” he said. Research shows that many people don’t have access to sites like woodlands or wetlands within a 15-minute walk of home, despite time in nature boosting health and wellbeing. Natural spaces also help tackle extreme weather, climate change and wildlife loss.
The Wildlife Trusts have urged the Government to improve people’s access to nature as a priority, while a coalition of groups led by the Horticultural Trades Association and the Gardens Trust have called for trees, plants, gardens and parks to be recognised as “essential infrastructure” with long-term investment.
A Defra spokesperson said: “This Government is focused on the things that matter most to the British public, including restoring nature so that we have pride in local communities and access to green spaces. We are increasing access to nature and the countryside, delivering nine new National River Walks, including the Mersey Way and coastal path, both of which pass through urban areas.”
