Redbridge Council begin work to restore Hainault Forest

The new fleet of boats are described as the easiest to mast and de-mast (Pic- Redbridge Council) 

Work has began to restore Hainault Forest to its former splendour. 

Contractors have began work on the £7million restoration scheme which aims to restore Foxburrow Barns as well as the green spaces at Hainault Forest. 

It will also include a new fleet of 26 sailing boats for Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre. 

The boats are a brand new generation of rotar-moulded boat which are acknowledged as one of the easiest boats in which to learn how to sail.

It’s part of Redbridge Council’s £30,000 investment, part of a wider redevelopment project. 

This has been supported by a grant of just over £4million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, their has also been financial support from the Greater London Authority as well as the Mayor’s Fund. 

Their will also be 250 acres of green space added to the park. 

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council said: “We are committed to investing in local parks and green spaces to protect and preserve them now and for generations to come.

“Hainault Forest is a spectacular parkland with a rich history, once used as the hunting ground of King Henry VIII it remains a haven for wildlife including an incredible 158 species of birds. The restoration project is an example of how regeneration can benefit the whole community, through supporting businesses, creating jobs and training opportunities while protecting wildlife and improving green spaces.

“We are working closely with our partners, the Woodland Trust, to improve access and links across the forest while preserving wildlife habitats and improving biodiversity. We want to thank National Lottery players for making this possible, people who raise £36 million every week for good causes in the UK.

“There was a huge surge in visitors to Fairlop Waters during the pandemic and these new boats, which have arrived in time for half-term, are also part of our wider planned investment in the leisure, culture and environmental facilities at the country park.”

The works will look to improve the site’s ecology and natural habitats, as well as building a new visitor hub including a new café, visitor centre and spaces for community hire.

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