More wildlife, better connections, and even more space to play are all just some of the benefits of a new regional park in the borough, that would span all of its 7 towns and could potentially extend beyond the borough’s boundary.

Proposals were unveiled yesterday (Wednesday 14 May) at a meeting of Ealing Council’s cabinet. It showed how many of the borough’s parks and open spaces could be connected into one large regional park.

The plans build on the Brent River Park which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The new proposed regional park follows the outline of the Brent River Park, but extends up to Horsenden Hill in the north, with the potential to eventually include green spaces in neighbouring boroughs.

Cyclists and pedestrians would benefit under the proposals, with better connections to Greenford, Southall, and Hanwell for those travelling on foot or by bike. One of the key proposals is the creation of a Regional Park Trail: a continuous, accessible 8km route linking key destinations.

The initial idea for creating the regional park received public support in a consultation held in 2023. And now the views given more recently by people on more specific proposals will be fed into the next stage of developing the plans.

Nature, sport and accessibility

Restoring habitats for wildlife, and finding other ways to help biodiversity to thrive, are key themes of the proposals. 82% of respondents said in the recent consultation that supporting nature was either important or moderately important to them.

The plans for the regional park have also been designed to open up more spaces and activities to those people who might otherwise be less likely to visit.

This includes people with disabilities or mobility issues, those from more deprived backgrounds, and multi-ethnic groups. It also factored in the safety of women using the park, and activities for families and children.

Making it easier for people to get into the park was another theme well-supported by people, with 81% in the recent consultation saying it was important or moderately important.

Different spaces, with distinct characters

The regional park could contain several key areas, each with a different character:

• Warren Farm – this could mix the best of both worlds, with new sports facilities on the one hand, including cricket and football pitches, alongside rewilded meadow landscapes to allow nature conservation
• Pear Tree Park – the ongoing transformation of the former golf course into a public park could see wetland features for wildlife, along with improved sports facilities and natural play spaces
• Horsenden Hill – this could see improvements to existing visitor attractions, including bigger play areas, new walking trails, and support to develop the food-growing hub at Horsenden Farm
• Churchfields – this could see the development of an outdoor venue to hold cultural events, larger green spaces, and improved connections to Hanwell and the wider park

‘Creating a garden in Ealing’

Council leader Peter Mason said: “Everyone in our borough deserves space to experience the joys of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Not everyone in our borough has the benefit of their own private outdoor space, so we are creating a garden for Ealing in the shape of our new regional park.

“This is part of our commitment to re-grow and re-wild our borough, delivering 10 new parks and planting 50,000 more trees to help combat the climate crisis; at the same time as ensuring even more people have spaces to connect and play, meet friends, neighbours and family and enjoy sports, performances and culture.

“There has been so much enthusiasm and support for developing new ideas to make Ealing’s parks and open spaces even greater than they are now, and these proposals take us the next step to making it happen.”

Talks to expand regional park further

Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, added: “The focus of work until now has been on the creation of a regional park spreading right across our borough, but contained within our boundaries. However, in recent months, we’ve been talking with neighbouring councils and organisations to discuss the potential to extend the regional park into areas beyond our borough to create a larger regional park for west London.

“The majority of feedback on the proposals has been incredibly positive. It is an exciting prospect. And an even bigger regional park than we originally pictured would attract even more people to west London and could mean even more amazing opportunities to boost local sport and culture.

“It would also provide wider-ranging opportunities to tackle climate change through rewilding and conserving green spaces and natural habitats, planting more trees and supporting wildlife. It is a plan for our area’s long-term future, as well as for the shorter-term enjoyment of the open spaces on our doorstep.”

The last cabinet report on the regional park was approved in September 2023 and there has been significant progress on the project since then, including:

• Pear Tree Park officially opening to the public in July 2024
• around 5,000 trees were planted by the local community in Pear Tree Park in March this year

Following agreement of the regional park concept plan by cabinet, further work will now take place on fundraising, business plan development and consideration of how the park will be managed. Conversations will also continue with partners about the bigger park.