Park of the week

23. Studio Way Woodland and Potterswood Park

This park and woodland, to the north of Borehamwood, used to be part of the backlot of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios, used to save having to film on location. The site was used to create huge standing sets for major films, including a medieval castle for Ivanhoe (1952), a Chinese village in The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958), and a French château in The Dirty Dozen (1967). Many other films, as well as television productions including The Prisoner (presumably not the Portmeirion scenes) and UFO, were shot in and around the area. After the studio closed in 1968, much of the backlot was redeveloped for housing, but a 14-acre space was kept as parkland.

There’s a reminder of the former studios in the local street names; for example Grace Close (Grace Kelly), Balcon Way (Sir Michael Balcon), and Lion Court (the symbol of MGM Studios). There are a few actual remnants, including a mound in one of the children’s play areas.

Around the woodland are areas of cut grassland with benches scattered around the site, and two play areas – including Jack’s favourite “big lying down swing” (the one like a giant round net).

The woodlands are a mix of mature oak trees (some of which made cameo appearances in films) with the remains of old hedgerows running through them. There are small patches of bluebells, and the undergrowth of hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble provides a home for small mammals and birds. Flowering plants provide a source of nectar for bees and butterflies.

The entrance gate features different films at the top: The Prisoner, Ivanhoe, 633 Squadron, MGM Clock Tower, Inn of the Sixth Happiness, 2001 - A Space Odyssey, Where Eagles Dare, the symbol from the end of a film reel. Animal and plant species are featured at the bottom: an oak leaf, great spotted woodpecker, bramble with blackberries, speckled wood butterfly, hawthorn leaf and haw, squirrel, acorn.

This gate leads to a small car park, but it was locked when we visited. Parking is available on the nearby streets.

Judith Field

Studio Way Woodland and Potterswood Park, Denham Way, Borehamwood WD6 5DA