Feltham and Bedfont Lakes: The History

 

Bedfont Lakes is a roughly 70-hectare country park located in Bedfont, Hounslow. It has always had a special connection for the people of Feltham, and their history has been intertwined for centuries.

 

Bedfont Lakes was established in 1780, roughly 240 years ago, when William Shelborn purchased it from the Duke of St Albans, who had previously owned it as Fawn’s Manor Farm. The site was subsequently used as a supplier of produce for all of London, including gravel, for the next 140 years, until it had been used as a domestic and industrial landfill site. The materials present during this time period polluted the lakes, which remain somewhat polluted even after the landfill ceased in 1973. The site was then left untouched for some years before the London Borough of Hounslow secured the area in 1988 to be used as a country park, which remains to this day.

 

The people of Feltham have always enjoyed the area of Bedfont Lakes primarily as an amazing place of recreation, but also as a testament to the resilience of nature. The area, once disfigured by landfill pollution, is now home to over 350 plant species, 156 species of bird and over 20 mammal species. The entire park, whilst somewhat dormant over the colder winter months springs back to life again as summer approaches. The area is popular with both younger and older members of society, as well as being a haven for dogs and cats amongst other animals.

 

The area, whilst governed by the London Borough of Hounslow, is now looked after by Greenspace 360, a denomination of Lampton 360, who are committed to providing the London Borough of Hounslow with cost-effective and efficient parks which are safe and clean. The area was also formerly protected by the Trustees of Friends of Bedfont Lakes Country Park, who are passionately committed to ensuring the safety of the wildlife and users of the park, as well as the park itself.

 

Feltham has been part of the London Borough of Hounslow since 1965, and the relationship between the members of Feltham and that of Bedfont Lakes has always been one of love, care and commitment as Feltham and Bedfont lakes have shared an impressive 34 years of active history. As we move forwards into the future, and as Feltham and the London Borough of Hounslow evolve, Bedfont Lakes will always be an integral part of their shared culture and history.