Residents, campaigners and local dignitaries gathered on Sunday (29 June 2025) at Churchfields Recreation Ground in Hanwell to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ealing’s Brent River Park – and to remember its visionary founder, Luke FitzHerbert.
The event, held exactly five decades after the park was inaugurated by then-Mayor John Johnston in 1975, featured the unveiling of a special plaque commemorating the park’s creation.
The plaque was revealed by current Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, and local conservationist Kabir Kaul, who also marked the occasion by launching a new fundraising campaign to support Brent River Park’s long-term goals
The plaque tells the story of the park’s origins and pays tribute to its founder, Luke FitzHerbert – a former Irish Guardsman, Brentside High School teacher and the driving force behind the park’s transformation.
In the early 1970s, Mr FitzHerbert envisioned transforming the “neglected riverbanks into a green ribbon of parkland.” Writing in the Ealing Gazette in 1974, he described how fences blocked many footpaths, Long Wood and the Wharncliffe Viaduct were fenced off and inaccessible, and large sections of Elthorne Park and Perivale Park were plagued by fly-tipping. He believed it should be possible for people to walk from Hanger Lane to the Thames by following connected footpaths tracing the flow of the River Brent.
After extensive campaigning, Ealing Council approved the plan, and Brent River Park was born. A footpath named FitzHerbert Walk was later established in his honour.
Tragically, Mr FitzHerbert died in 2007 after being struck by a car. However, his legacy lives on – not only through the park, but also through his later work in the charity sector.
Speaking to attendees, Brent River Park Charity secretary Katie Boyles reflected on FitzHerbert’s vision and impact. She said: “Luke saw potential in the neglected and polluted lands along the River Brent, which at the time were blocked by fences and inaccessible. Through his hard work and determination, he envisioned greater connectivity and bringing communities together by enhancing access for nature.”
She continued: “The walks and enjoyment we take for granted today—living alongside an abundance of urban wildlife – are thanks to Luke, past charity volunteers, and Ealing Council members who dared to care.”
Ms Boyles then introduced John Templeton, a Brent River Park trustee and former Ealing Council town planner. Mr Templeton spoke about how the vision became reality through Mr FitzHerbert’s tireless collaboration with the council.
Local conservationist and Brent River Park special advisor Kabir Kaul outlined the charity’s long-term vision, unveiling a new fundraising initiative focused on five ambitious goals.
Mr Kaul said: “John, Luke, and others worked so hard over 50 years ago to make this a reality. We need to ensure the longevity of the Brent River Park for the next 50 years and beyond.”
He continued: “That’s why today, I’m very excited to announce our five key funding ambitions for Brent River Park. We’re calling on the community to support these long-term goals for biodiversity and heritage by donating to our charity.”
Known as the Brent River Park ‘Big Five!’ fundraiser, the campaign aims to:
- Reopen the historic stable block
- Clean and restore the River Brent
- Fully realise the Warren Farm Nature Reserve
- Create bat roosts at the Wharncliffe Viaduct
- Improve footpaths and signage across the park
Mayor of Ealing Councillor Anthony Kelly shared personal memories of his childhood spent playing sports locally. “I’m a guest of this parish, and I remember as a child playing rounders, rugby and football when I attended St Joseph’s School. It’s really important to recognise what we’ve achieved in 50 years – and thank you very much to Mrs FitzHerbert for joining us today.”
He added: “It’s a wonderful occasion to mark such a wonderful day.”
Ealing Liberal Democrats leader Councillor Gary Malcolm, who attended the event, also pledged his support to the Brent River Park five aims. He said: “Liberal Democrats have worked with Warren Farm and Brent River campaigners so we can push the council to do the right thing to see better managed open spaces and cleaner rivers.”
The afternoon, which ran from 12pm to 5pm, also included maypole dancing, Northfields Morris Dancers, bluebell stilt walkers and storytelling around the Millennium Maze, itself celebrating 25 years.
Among those who spoke during the day included Dr Sean McCormack, founder of the Ealing Wildlife Group, on the return of local beavers; Ben Morris of Clean Up the River Brent (CURB), on ongoing restoration efforts and Brent River Park trustee Steven Toft, who revealed the park’s colourful past through its “heroes, villains and fools”.
 at Churchfields Recreation Ground in Hanwell to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ealing’s Brent River Park - and to remember its visionary founder, Luke FitzHerbert.){kind=link}