Park of the week

155. Down Lane Park

This park is another one that I found by looking at a map, and is in Tottenham Hale. Until a few years ago, it was the typical recreation ground, with extensive mown grass and lines of trees around the edge, but the Council planted native trees, including birch, hazel and wild cherry. In these areas the grass is left to grow, allowing wildflowers to become established. 

It is sited on what was once open land, referred to as ‘Lammas Land’, a description rather than a name in this case, although it’s also the name of a park in Cambridge. This was something I hadn’t seen before; it means land that was private property until Lammas Day (also known as Loafmas or Lughnasa on August 1st: not long to wait, now) after which it was were subject to common rights of pasturage until spring. The council acquired the site in 1900 and it was formally opened in 1907. By 1935 the park had a linear area of gardens and paths with perimeter planting, and perimeter planting around the site and an athletics ground and running track had been installed. The park was used for concert parties and bands as well as sporting activities.

It's designated as Significant Local Open Land and is a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. In 2012 the site was named a Queen Elizabeth II Field as part of the Fields in Trust campaign to protect outdoor recreational spaces as a legacy of the Diamond Jubilee.  It has a community garden, football pitches, basketball and tennis courts, children’s play areas, skateboard area and a bowling green. There is a café, and toilets.

Judith Field

Down Lane Park, Park View Rd, London N17 9AU