Lake Farm Country Park

🌿 Welcome to Lake Farm Country Park

Escape to nature on Greater London’s doorstep!

Lake Farm Country Park is an expanse of green belt land approximately 60 acres in size, fringed by trees and the Grand Union Canal, situated in the south of Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon. Whether you’re a walker, a cyclist, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a breath of fresh air, this hidden corner of West London has something for everyone.

🏞️ History

The story of Lake Farm stretches back over 200 years of remarkable change.

Before 1814, the area formed part of Botwell Common — an unenclosed stretch of common land used by the parishioners of Hayes. In 1814 the land was enclosed and divided into parcels, the greater portion going to John Baptist Shackle. Two large gravel pits were present on the site at this time, occupying 7 and 5 acres respectively.

The park takes its name from an ornamental lake that once stood beyond the north-east corner of the site, in the grounds of Lake House, owned by Thomas Shackle. The lake was filled in 1954.

By around 1850, the Shackle family were operating brickworks across most of the current Lake Farm site. After the Second World War, the site was repurposed for testing radar equipment for armoured vehicles, and the Thorn EMI company continued to use it until the early 1990s. Relics of these testing facilities remain on site, including a testing tower and a derelict trailer.

Much of the site was formerly managed as arable land, before being entered into set-aside and developed as grassland, cut annually for hay by the agricultural tenant. Its formal status as a country park dates back to September 2002, after years of community campaigning to protect it from development.

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Approximately 63 acres in size, most of the site comprises open grassland and shrubs — both important habitats for wildlife.

The site supports a diverse habitat structure, including areas of ditch, hedgerow, grassland, and ruderal tall herbs.

Lake Farm is especially celebrated for its birdlife. It is home to skylarks, which are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for threatened species. In July 2012, birdwatchers descended on the park to catch a glimpse of a red-backed shrike — an extremely rare visitor to the United Kingdom.

Fittingly, a skylark sculpture by artist Ben Dearnley stands in the park — created by the man who served as the Official Olympic Artist for the 2012 London Olympics. The artwork reflects the site’s importance as a refuge for the birds that live here.

🎯 Facilities & Highlights

Two areas of more formal open space are situated in the north-western and north-eastern corners of the park, which include short-mown grass, planted trees, and children’s play areas. There is also a BMX track and a skate park on the western edge of the site.

• BMX Track & Skate Park — on the western edge of the park
• Children’s Play Areas — two well-maintained areas in the north-west and north-east corners
• Outdoor Gym — trim trail equipment for fitness enthusiasts
• Bridleways — two bridleway entrances: one off Botwell Common Road and one off Dawley Road
• Walking Paths — circular footpaths linking in with local roads and the Grand Union Canal
• Dog Friendly — popular for dog walking, with dog waste bins throughout
• Picnic Spots — open lawns and benches (please take litter away with you)

🗺️ Getting Here

Address: Dawley Road, Hayes, UB3 1EJ

By Bus: Bus routes A10 and 350 serve Dawley Road; routes U4 and 350 use Botwell Lane.

By Train: The closest railway station is Hayes & Harlington, a little over 1 km walk along the canal.

By Car: A car park is present off Dawley Road near the BMX track (WhatThreeWords = ///labels.zeal.putty), and Botwell Common Road near the school (WhatThreeWords = ///swear.joined.lace).

Opening Hours: Dawn till dusk, all year round.

🤝 Community & Get Involved

The park has a Management Advisory Group and a Friends of Lake Farm Country Park Group — both welcome local involvement. Whether you want to help with conservation, organise events, or simply stay informed, getting involved is a great way to give something back to this well-loved green space.