Ahead of the Friends of Wanstead Parkland’s AGM in April, chairman Peter Brimson provides an overview of some of the improvement works that are likely to take place in the park in the near future
Last year saw a drive in Epping Forest recruitment, providing new staff to carry out much-needed tasks. The year also saw the setting out of plans for projects, with budgets assigned to make them happen, which the Friends have actively supported.
The prominence given to Wanstead Park’s lakes in project proposals is especially welcome given our recent survey of user priorities showed the state of the lakes was the major concern. I am pleased to say there are a number of projects likely to happen in the park in 2025/2026.
Lake dams: the Environment Agency requires the City of London Corporation to strengthen the earth-retaining dams that keep the lakes in place, and £1.15m has been allocated to this task. Work could start late 2025 or early 2026.
Perch Pond and Heronry Pond: a future potential risk to the dams is failure resulting from summer dry-out, leading to cracking and leaking. It is therefore necessary to keep the dams wet. This will be achieved by up-pumping water from the Ornamental Waters into Perch Pond and up-pumping from there into the Heronry Pond. At present, low levels of water in the two lakes are topped up by water extracted from a deep borehole near the Heronry. Thames Water requires the extraction to be substantially reduced and the up-pumping scheme is designed to do this.
Ornamental Waters: this is currently dried out, marshy in places and full of weeds in some parts. The City of London has allocated £150,000 to reinstate winter pumping from the River Roding into the Ornamental Waters to refill the lake. Once filled, the up-pumping into the Perch and Heronry Ponds will become viable. If approved by the Environment Agency, works could begin in winter 2025.
The Grotto: the City of London is keen to see this romantic ruin removed from the Heritage at Risk Register. The building needs substantial repairs and there is a risk of partial collapse. Plans have been drawn up to repair and stabilise the structure and £464,000 has been allocated. Work could restart this summer.
The Temple: £30,000 has been allocated to carry out essential external building repairs, which could start soon. Consultants have drawn up various options for the future of the building, including an indoor café area. No funding is allocated for this at present.
Woodland play area: further works will be undertaken in 2025, including installing a firm path for wheelchair users and buggies, a swing for disabled children and new play equipment. There is a budget of £29,000.
Past experience indicates the above view of park investment may be optimistic. Timetables may slip and finance is not all guaranteed.
For more information on the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, visit wnstd.com/fwp
