PARKS FOUNDATION
Hill shows
the way
Community events,
freshly-grown vegetables
and woodland walks are
just a few things that have
sprung up at Horsenden
Hill over the last couple of
years. As Daniel Stephens
reports, this is thanks to
the hard work of the local
‘friends’ group.
T
he Friends of Horsenden Hill
now manage the council-
owned site and organise local
community projects there
with council support. Its chair Lynda
O’Hare said: “We got started in the
summer of 2016 and have worked with,
and been supported by, park rangers
from Ealing Council ever since. We’re
proud of what we have
already achieved in this
short amount of time.”
This collective of
dedicated residents
and volunteers is a great
example of people doing
their bit to make the most
of their local park – and
is a model for how other
parks could be run.
16
around ealing February 2019
Lynda and Jon (centre) in the wood skills area, with others actively involved in the Hill's activities
PARKS FOUNDATION GIVES
YOU A SAY
In fact, having a greater say in your
green spaces is about to get easier
following the recent establishment of
an Ealing Parks Foundation.
Set up by Ealing Council in
November last year, the Parks
Foundation will operate as a charitable
organisation with residents, friends
groups and a board of trustees all
playing a significant role in shaping
the future of the borough’s green
spaces. The aim will be to encourage
volunteering, with all its many social,
mental and even career benefits; while
also providing opportunities for all
residents to take part in community
activities and to stay healthy and active
in a variety of ways.
FROM ROYAL VISITORS TO
FOREST SCHOOLS
Lynda explained what has been
happening at Horsenden: “We have
created pathways and vegetable
beds to enable more
people to enjoy the
community gardens.
We’ve transformed
the public toilets
and are currently
reinstating and
repairing walking trails
on Horsenden Hill,
meaning more
people can enjoy and
Homemade pizza oven