Restoration begins at Hainault Forest
Published: 20 October 2021
Redbridge Council’s investment in the borough’s parks and open spaces took a big step forward this week, with work on restoring Hainault Forest to its former glory getting underway and a fleet of new sailing boats arriving at Fairlop Waters.
Contractors began work on a major £7million restoration scheme to restore Foxburrow Barns and the green spaces at Hainault Forest.
Meanwhile, 26 new sailing boats were added to the fleet at the Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre thanks to Redbridge Council’s £30,000 investment, part of a wider redevelopment project that will see 250 acres of green space added to the borough’s largest country park.
Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council said: “We are committed to investing in local parks and green spaces to protect and preserve them now and for generations to come.
“Hainault Forest is a spectacular parkland with a rich history, once used as the hunting ground of King Henry VIII it remains a haven for wildlife including an incredible 158 species of birds. The restoration project is an example of how regeneration can benefit the whole community, through supporting businesses, creating jobs and training opportunities while protecting wildlife and improving green spaces.
“We are working closely with our partners, the Woodland Trust, to improve access and links across the forest while preserving wildlife habitats and improving biodiversity. We want to thank National Lottery players for making this possible, people who raise £36 million every week for good causes in the UK.
“There was a huge surge in visitors to Fairlop Waters during the pandemic and these new boats, which have arrived in time for half-term, are also part of our wider planned investment in the leisure, culture and environmental facilities at the country park.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided a grant of over £4million to the Hainault Forest project with support also received from the Greater London Authority and the Mayor’s Fund. The works will improve the site’s ecology and natural habitats, alongside a new visitor hub including a new café, visitor centre and spaces for community hire.
The new boats at Fairlop Waters include 15 Hartley 10’s, a brand new generation of rotar-moulded boat which are acknowledged as one of the easiest boats in which to learn how to sail.
The new Hartley boats replace the wooden seaway fleet and allow for two individuals to be taught in the same boat. They are easier to mast and de-mast, giving learners more time in a boat learning how to sail.
Eleven further new Fusion boats will also be coming on site ready to hire by the end of October.
For further information about the water sports programme and bookings at Fairlop Waters visit: https://visionrcl.org.uk/water-sport-sessions/
For more information about the Hainault Forest restoration visit: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-the-arts/parks/hainault-forest-country-park/
