The Paddock Community Nature Park

Opened as a park in 2000, The Paddock is an important site for Haringey ecology and biodiversity.

Facilities

The Paddock has a picnic area.

Get involved

The Paddock has a volunteer group called The Paddock Friends Group. To contact the group, see our list of Friends of Parks groups.

Planned improvements

Planned improvements will take place between 2020 and 2024. 

We want The Paddock to be a:

  • well-managed, exemplar site for ecology and biodiversity by:
    • getting Local Nature Reserve status and producing an accompanying 21-year management and maintenance plan
    • include formalised community involvement
  • well-connected green space which:
    • smoothly integrates with the new Hale Wharf pedestrian bridges and Ferry Lane improvements
    • is a key element of the emerging green grid of pedestrian and cycle routes connecting Tottenham to Lea Valley
  • well-used green space which:
    • has very little anti-social behaviour
    • supports community and educational activities
    • provides different opportunities for visitors to explore, learn and play in a unique ecological setting

Wildlife

The Paddock is an important ecological site in Haringey for ecology and biodiversity. 

It gives visitors the opportunity to experience, learn about and enjoy the natural environment. 

The wilderness area in the centre of The Paddock has grown to form young woodland and scrub. It’s dominated by elder, willow and blackberry. 

The site has clear routes taking the visitor down to the River Lea diversion channel. This gives a nice view across into the Wetlands and the existing weir structure.  

History

Until the mid-19th century, The Paddock formed the northern half of the Mill Mead water meadow. This was part of the common land supplying grain to neighbouring Tottenham Mill.  

After World War I, the area was a sports ground, owned by the nearby Harris Lebus furniture factory. After the factory closed the land became largely derelict. It was occasionally used to graze horses, hence the name.  

The site opened as a park in 2000. 

Report a problem

Report a park issue on our report a problem page.

location

Contact

Address

Ferry Lane
London
N17 9BS
United Kingdom

Venue opening times

Open 24 hours a day.

Accessibility

All parks in Haringey are wheelchair accessible.