One of the UK’s oldest conservation charities has paid tribute to grassroots visionaries – including Luke FitzHerbert – who transformed a stretch of riverbank in Ealing into a much-loved public park, as Brent River Park marked its 50th anniversary yesterday (29 June 2025).
Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, paid tribute to the founders of the park, describing it as “a splendid oasis along the River Brent”.
Ms Ashbrook said: “The Open Spaces Society warmly salutes the visionaries who founded the Brent River Park, and all who have made it the lovely space it is today.”
Founded 160 years ago, the Open Spaces Society has long campaigned for public access to common land and footpaths across England and Wales.
She said: “Our early battles led to the saving of Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common, and Epping Forest for the nation. Our founders would have been proud of what has been achieved here in Ealing.”
The society has supported the Brent River and Canal Society (BRCS) in opposing developments, including a proposed leisure centre at Gurnell.
Ms Ashbrook commented: “We rely on organisations such as the BRCS to be the eyes and ears on the ground. On the fiftieth anniversary of Brent River Park, we celebrate the vision of school-teacher Luke Fitzherbert, John Templeton (former Ealing planner) and the many others who were determined to make their dream a reality.’”
She is urging residents across Ealing to keep pressure on elected officials and added: “Open spaces are threatened now more than ever. We must ensure councillors invest in green spaces – they are vital for our health and well-being.”
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