Friends of Oakwood park

07/01/2026

Oakwood Park Wetland was planted in 2022 with funding from Replenish, and is helping to reduce pollution in the Lea catchment as well as prevent flooding.

In order for this important space to function effectively, it requires maintenance. We invite local volunteers to come along to Oakwood Park on the 17th January to join Thames21 and the Friends of Oakwood Park group to undertake a number of tasks to improve the wetland:

-Cutting and removing reeds to reduce drying out and promote biodiversity in cells 3 & 4
-Cutting back plants around inlets and outlets to enable effective monitoring and flow
-Removing small willow trees
-Litter picking

Thames21 will provide all tools, equipment, gloves, waders & wellies, as well as tea break refreshments.

Sessions for 18yrs and above only

Please bring work clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, rain protection and any food and drink you require. Come ready to get stuck in and make a real difference to this beautiful green & blue space!

The event starts at 10am and finishes at 1.30pm. Closest toilets are a 10-15 minute walk across the park at Oakwood Park Café.

Meeting point in the south east corner of the park, near the Willow Walk entrance: What3Words ///pops.soaks.clash
Parking available nearby, approx 20min walk from either Southgate Tube Station or Winchmore Hill railway station.

Please contact Aggie Hodges if you have any further questions: [email protected], and make sure to book your space so we know how many volunteers to expect.

https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/n3UrHsOxqrmvqpReooQO

08/12/2025

Join our last meeting of the year for updates and enjoy the morning together with some mince pies! Cafe will be serving their coffee, teas, wholesome food as usual and also will have some mulled wine! 🎄

30/10/2025

🌳 Tree management plan
We’ve had a few messages about the recent cutting back of brambles, grass in the park so here it is to explain.

This is all part of the Council’s ‘ tree and habitat management plan ‘ for Oakwood Park. The brambles hadn’t been cut for many years, so this work was needed to keep them under control and allow healthier growth in spring.
but not all of them have been removed. Some areas are being left for wildlife.

The wildflower areas also need to be cut and cleared at this time of year to stop dominant plants (like ox-eye daisy) from taking over and to help a wider mix of species come through next spring.

It may look quite drastic now, but it’s all planned and guided by Head of urban green management officer who has a deep understanding of woodland management.

Some areas have been left for wildlife, and there are more tree thinning planned to help other trees grow stronger and healthier.

The bridge work you’ve seen is part of the separate wetland project, not the same job.

It is all about keeping the park healthy for the long term

— Friends of Oakwood Park

26/10/2025

Oakwood Park today resplendent in autumn sunshine, what a beautiful space. Video taken by Kevin our local friend of Oakwood park ❤️

04/08/2025

A big thank you to the following companies who have very kindly sponsored the new planters recently built by our FOP volunteers:

Oakwood Park Cafe

IFM Electronic Ltd

Lacunar Ltd

Payne & Edie Ltd

Prestige Signs Ltd

W G Wigginton Ltd.

The monies donated by these companies will go towards future park projects, thank you all!

02/08/2025

Thank you for those who filled in the survey we have so far just over 500 responses. Keep spreading the word!

‘Why are we doing this survey? ‘

Oakwood Park’s concrete pond was originally built in the 1930s for model boating, and later used as a wildlife pond. But after years of leaking and being topped up with mains water for years - unsustainable and harmful to wildlife—it has now dried out naturally.

The Council has confirmed that restoring the pond would be extremely costly and not a realistic option.

The good news is that a new, purpose-built wildlife wetland was created in 2022 elsewhere in the park, providing a much better habitat for nature ( still working progress!)

Now, we want your ideas: could the old pond space become an outdoor gym, a youth play area, a place for all ages, or something new for the community?

Take our short survey and help shape the future of this space.
We have over 500 responses so far, keep spreading the word!
( QR code has been updated. )

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KRBOrJ_lXRJfeoTQZdHCVvip46lTPjoRlBHfVoX4OWs/edit

02/08/2025

‘Why are we doing this survey? ‘

Oakwood Park’s concrete pond was originally built in the 1930s for model boating, and later used as a wildlife pond. But after years of leaking and being topped up with mains water for years - unsustainable and harmful to wildlife—it has now dried out naturally.

The Council has confirmed that restoring the pond would be extremely costly and not a realistic option.

The good news is that a new, purpose-built wildlife wetland was created in 2022 elsewhere in the park, providing a much better habitat for nature ( still working progress!)

Now, we want your ideas: could the old pond space become an outdoor gym, a youth play area, a place for all ages, or something new for the community?

Take our short survey and help shape the future of this space.
We have over 500 responses so far, keep spreading the word!
( QR code has been updated. )

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KRBOrJ_lXRJfeoTQZdHCVvip46lTPjoRlBHfVoX4OWs/edit