We will be holding a community planting day on Saturday 23rd of November and we would love for you to join us.

Please use the form below to let us know if you are coming to our planting day.

What are we planting?

The planting scheme is in keeping with the existing character of the park. In the southwest corner of the park where there has been a more relaxed mowing regime and trees have been allowed to regenerate naturally, we will be planting small trees or "Whips" which will create pockets of woodland in the coming years.

In the north of the park, we will be planting larger trees.

Click the link below to view the first draft of our design.

Why are we planting trees here?

The Closes is a park of approximately 9.5ha in the ward of West Drayton. The north side of the site is largely amenity grassland, and is used for recreation, with a play area, bike track, tennis courts and an informal football pitch. There is a wilder section in the southwest corner where in recent years there has been a relaxed mowing regime and some new trees planted as well as natural regeneration of trees. The park has a number of existing mature trees which are largely similar in age. The site is bordered by St George’s Meadows, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, to the west.

The project aims to increase the biodiversity value of the site by planting woodland compartments with varying age structure and densities to create a diverse woodland habitat that complement areas of natural regeneration. Larger trees planted along avenues would continue shaded walkways, and the orchard would provide fruit for local people and animals to enjoy.

We aim to deliver this project in November 2024. There will be opportunities for local people to get involved, and we will work with local schools and community organisations to take part in planting the trees.