Explore Nature Trails & Green Spaces at Chandos Park
Explore Nature Trails & Green Spaces at Chandos Park
Volunteer for Chandos Park Survey
Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, a moment of reflection, or a deeper connection with nature, Chandos Recreation Ground offers a welcoming space for all to enjoy.
At present Edgware Brook has temporary fencing to allow the vegetation to reestablish itself so please do not enter the area behind this fence.
Be also aware that there is open water and keep a close eye on your children. Note that the water levels do fluctuate and can be quite deep after rain.
Flowing gently from the northwest to the northeast corner of the park, Edgware Brook (a tributary of Silk Stream) offers a peaceful and picturesque walking route that brings nature right to your doorstep. Thanks to the Action for Silk Stream project, this once-overlooked waterway has been revitalized with new wetlands, naturalized banks, and thoughtful landscaping.
As you follow the brook-side path, you'll notice young waterside plants—including reeds, grasses, and wildflowers—lining the bank. These plantings are designed to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create a tranquil, green corridor through the park. While they may be small now, in time they’ll grow into a lush, living border that supports local wildlife and adds to the park’s natural beauty.
Chandos Recreation Ground is home to over 30 different species of trees, including fruit trees, providing a vibrant display of greenery throughout the seasons. These new plantings contribute to the park’s growing biodiversity, offering shade, beauty, and habitat for local wildlife.
Among the most common trees you’ll spot in the park are oak, maple, cherry, and apple trees—all of which provide seasonal interest, from blossoms in spring to colourful leaves in autumn. These species, along with newly planted fruit trees, bring a touch of both beauty and practicality to the space, creating a varied and thriving environment.
Experience the changing seasons through the park’s diverse plant life. From the blossoms of spring to the rich colours of autumn, each visit offers a new perspective on nature’s cycles. The borders of flowering plants, further enhancing the park's seasonal charm and providing additional habitat for local wildlife.
Chandos Recreation Ground is a haven for a variety of wildlife species. Birdwatchers can observe a range of birds, including including blue and great tits, little egrets, herons, and Egyptian geese . Squirrels are also commonly seen in the area, darting through trees and adding to the park's lively atmosphere. The diverse plant life supports these species, creating a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
Scattered along the Edgware Brook path are several benches, thoughtfully placed for you to sit, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of flowing water, rustling leaves, and birds. Whether you're reading a book, meditating, or simply watching the world go by, these spots offer the perfect setting for relaxation.
Chandos Recreation Ground serves as a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and find tranquillity. It’s a place where the community can come together to appreciate the environment and participate in conservation efforts. The ongoing improvements aim to create a more resilient and ecologically rich space for all to enjoy.
Tucked under the trees in the south-east corner, the Bug Hotel is a special home for insects such as bees, beetles and ladybirds. Built from wood, it gives bugs a safe place to nest and shelter, helping to keep the park’s ecosystem buzzing with life.
The walk along the Edgware Brook features two charming wooden bridges that cross the stream, offering lovely vantage points to pause and take in the scenery. Nearby, you’ll also encounter shallow ponds—dry most days but designed to fill with water during heavy rain. These ponds play an important role in managing flood risk while supporting aquatic habitats.
While the brook and ponds add a delightful touch of adventure, please keep a close eye on children to ensure they don’t enter the water or disturb the young plants. The new vegetation is delicate and needs time to establish, and safety is always a top priority.
Chandos Recreation Ground has undergone significant ecological and recreational enhancements as part of the Action for Silk Stream, Thames 21 initiative. The project integrates Edgware Brook more naturally into Chandos Park, improves biodiversity, and bolsters flood resilience.
River Realignment: The Edgware Brook has been re-routed into Chandos Park. This realignment introduces meanders to the stream, enhancing its ecological value and creating a more natural watercourse.
Habitat Creation: Wetland species have been planted along the riverbanks and within the channel to support local wildlife, improve water quality, and slow water flow. Additionally, large wood deflectors and natural gravels have been added to diversify flow conditions and increase habitat complexity.
Vegetation Management: Some trees and vegetation have been cleared to accommodate the new river path, and they have been replaced with diverse planting to enhance the habitat.
Pathway Upgrades: Existing paths have been resurfaced, and new pathways have been constructed, including a northern section that will offer improved access and views of the stream.
Playground Enhancements: A new playground has been installed, with existing and new equipment, for children of all ages. Numerous picnic benches have been installed with surrounding new planting.
Community Facilities: New storage porta cabins have been erected for the cricket team and the Chandos Community Group, supporting local recreational activities.
New trees and hedging have been planted throughout Chandos Park.
Construction Phase: Work commenced in Spring 2024 and was completed in May 2025. The project was executed in phases to minimize disruption, allowing parts of Chandos Park to remain open during construction.
Funding Sources: The project was part of a £6 million grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme, managed by the Environment Agency, which included neighbouring Watling Park. Additional funding of £300,000 was provided by the Greater London Authority's Green and Resilient Spaces fund and £200,000 in match funding from Harrow Council for Chandos Recreation Ground.
To ensure the project's sustainability, a 10-year management plan has been developed in collaboration with the River Trust. This plan focuses on securing long-term funding for maintenance and fostering community stewardship through volunteer involvement. More information can be found here.