Park of the week

89. Moatfield Recreation Ground

Moatfield Recreation Ground, in the centre of Bushey, was the site of a medieval manor house called Bourne Hall,  surrounded by a moat. The house was first recorded in 1231 and stood, possibly with rebuilding and additions, until it was demolished in the eighteenth century. After this the area was meadow, until the nineteen thirties when it became a recreation ground. 

The site has been identified as an Area of Archaeological Significance because of its size and good preservation. Various archaeological surveys have been carried out on the site to try to locate the manor house, which is thought to have been in the northwest of the park near to the play area. It’s protected by the Fields in Trust organisation. This means that there is a legal agreement between Fields in Trust and a space's landowner that they will retain it for use as a green space, usually a public park, playing field or recreation ground, in perpetuity.

Today Moatfield is home to Bushey Rangers FC. The Friends of Moatfield Group work closely with local authority parks officers to promote and improve the park. It hosts a variety of events through the year including BMX fix and tricks, an easter egg hunt, tai-chi, football tournaments and coaching.  

The principal paths, including a public footpath passing through the park, are accessible for wheelchairs. There’s an outdoor gym and playground, plus lots of open space to walk in. There is no café or toilets (or should that be "there are?" I'm never sure, but anyway there aren't any.

The recreation ground is accessible on foot from Bournehall Lane, Bournehall Avenue and Moatfield Road, Bushey. There is a small carpark next to the football clubhouse on Bournehall Lane but we found space to park on a nearby street.

Judith Field

Moatfield Park, Moatfield Road, Bushey WD23 3FE