Enfield Council wants to encourage more people to explore the new woodland and open spaces at Enfield Chase, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Enfield residents are being invited to have their say on the next stage of a major nature recovery project.

Enfield Chase Landscape Restoration Project is an Enfield Council-led scheme aiming to convert up to 1,000 hectares of farmland into a “publicly accessible nature space”.

It is the largest project of its kind in London and expands upon the ongoing woodland restoration at Enfield Chase which has seen 140,000 trees planted over the past four years.

A public consultation which opened earlier in June looks to help create a plan that has “input from and brings benefits for all of Enfield’s communities”.

“The sky’s the limit,” according to John Cole, chair of the Friends of Enfield Chase voluntary group.

“There’s an opportunity for the likes of ramblers, runners and cyclists to know more about it and put it on the map.

“The whole idea of the survey is, it’s the beginning, we want to capture thoughts and primarily make a more pleasant place and increase access. The survey is a start.”

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The friends group, council, and environmental charity Thames 21 have collaborated on the project’s engagement process, and are all encouraging people to share their views on how best to use the space.

On the consultation, which will run until September, John said it was also an opportunity for those who live in “other parts of the borough” to share their views on it.

Currently, he said, Enfield Chase was underused and “possibly undervalued”.

Sculpture parks, a grassy theatre, allotments, tree nurseries, and community gardens were just some of the ideas John said could be put in place if the interest was shown.

John added that the Friends of Enfield Chase is also looking for other local community groups “that might be a faith group or a youth group” to come forward if they thought they’d like to use the space in some way.

The council’s survey can be completed via its website. It will also be carrying out focus groups in the coming months across the borough, with one recently held in Edmonton Green.

For more information and to complete the survey:
Visit Enfield Chase Landscape Restoration – Community Survey | Let’s Talk Enfield

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