Barnet Park Wins Green Flag After £1.5m Overhaul
Watling Park in Burnt Oak has achieved Green Flag status following significant improvements including flood defences and new play areas.
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Watling Park in Burnt Oak, Barnet, has been awarded Green Flag status in 2026, recognising its quality as a public green space. The accolade follows a £1.5 million refurbishment that introduced new playgrounds, exercise equipment, and enhanced flood defences.
Flood Risk Mitigation
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A key element of the park's improvement was the rerouting of Burnt Oak Brook. Previously channelled through concrete near residential areas, the brook now follows a zigzag path with soil sides. Barnet Council stated this change allows floodwater to spread into a newly created wetland during heavy rainfall, reducing the threat to nearby homes and roads.
The flood defence measures were financed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This funding was part of the £6 million, six-year Action for Silk Stream project, a collaborative initiative involving Barnet Council, Harrow Council, and the environmental charity Thames21.
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Community and Council Response
Gabrielle Bailey, founder of the Friends of Watling Park, attributed the award to the sustained efforts of volunteers. She noted the park's importance to the Burnt Oak community for health, wellbeing, and as a gathering space. Bailey encouraged further community involvement in maintaining the park.
Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, highlighted the award as representative of the borough's commitment to green spaces. He stated that with over 200 parks and open spaces covering nearly a third of the borough, Barnet is among London's greenest areas and that parks will remain a priority.
The park improvements also included the installation of new CCTV and lighting to address anti-social behaviour, building on the establishment of a friends group three years prior. Residents interested in volunteering with local park groups can contact Barnet Council via email or phone.
Questions this report answers
+What improvements were made to Watling Park?
Watling Park received a £1.5 million overhaul that included new playgrounds, exercise equipment, flood defences, and rerouting Burnt Oak Brook to create a wetland. CCTV and lighting were also installed to improve safety, while a friends group was established to support ongoing maintenance.
+How much did the flood defence work cost?
The flood defence work cost £6 million in total, with Defra contributing to the funding as part of the six-year Action for Silk Stream project. The council confirmed this included significant investment in Burnt Oak Brook’s rerouting and wetland creation.
+Who funded the flood defence improvements?
The flood defence improvements were funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the £6 million Action for Silk Stream project. Barnet Council, Harrow Council, and Thames21 also collaborated on the initiative.
+How can residents get involved in maintaining the park?
Residents can volunteer with local park groups by contacting Barnet Council via email or phone. The council encourages community involvement, as highlighted by Gabrielle Bailey of the Friends of Watling Park, who praised volunteer efforts in achieving the Green Flag status.
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