As I was up at Northolt at the weekend, I decided to wander over to have a look at Northala Fields – a local community park that has been recently refurbished with four huge mounds of earth. The park has been undergoing redevelopment since 2004 and opened to the public late last year, although the official opening isn’t until next month.
Apart from the usual “park things” and a new fishing pond – the most dramatic addition is the four new huge cones of earth which offer some quite dramatic views over London.
Entering the park, you can easily see the four mounds – the first of which seems to be the smallest of the four. Passing that we came to the second which was covered in grasses and had a steep dirt track going directly up the mound. After a short scramble up to the top, our breath was taken away not just by the climb but also by the views.
OK, to the north the view is dominated by the McDonalds, and much of the rest is generic London housing – but the view to the South-East is of the whole city of London in the far distance, even right through to docklands.
The Wembley Arch can also be seen peeking over a nearby hill which conveniently covered the rest of the stadium from view. If you look carefully you can also just make out the London Eye on the horizon, although at this distance it is difficult to see against the background sky.
The third mound is the highest of the four – and has a much more relaxing spiral walkway running around the mound. The fourth is plain again and on my visit had several kids with kites on the top.
The four mounds themselves were made from building rubble and soil which was piled up into the four mounds – which apart from being visually dramatic also act as a sound barrier from the local road traffic.
A few photos on my Flickr site.
To get there, if taking the tube – get off at Northolt tube station and on leaving the station turn right and head into Northolt Village. Once past the village green cross over the road and carry onto the main roundabout and take the underpass to the park.
Interesting fact about the rubble used to make the mounds is that it came from the old Wembley Stadium.
They also included some soil from the White City shopping centre development as well.
The wire framed structures are filled with very obvious concrete rubble.
What a fantastic idea looks very much like an iron age hill fourt great for walking the dog or kids looking out on a warm summers day i think more should be built great for wildlife.
When all this was being built I wondered what kind of idiocy this was, but I finally went and looked yesterday – a Saturday evening. The park was busy with people enjoying themselves – cyclists, walkers & runners, kids on the swings, families relaxing, and some spectacular kite flying. It was working like a proper park. The way the mounds cut out the noise was very noticeable as I climbed round & round the main one. The view at the top was pretty good. I could see the masts of Crystal palace one way, the control tower at Heathrow and way beyond it, the London Eye on the horizon too. The Gherkin in the City and its neighbours were very clear, along with many nearer buildings I recognised from the streets I grew up in. Next time I shall take some binoculars. The setting sun obscured the view to the west, but I’m sure there was plenty to see there too. And looking north made clear the nature of Northolt village, now surrounded by modern development. Now, rather then idiotic, it looks to me like a very worthwhile project.
Has no-one noticed that on the side of this as you drive in on the A-40 there has been carved a large penis? is that part of the design?
It’s actually a pair of scissors graffitied into the side.
Across the road from Northala Fields, right next door to McDonalds was……… are you ready for it……… A STAR WARS SHOP called JEDI-ROBE.COM. Well I could hardly believe my eyes. REally good shop to.
can i ask u a question are u allowed to have a BBQ at the park!!!
plzzz answer as soon as possible
i dont know why not im working on the northala fields and as long as its secure there should be no problem but the smoke might be a problem
Hi which day and times is the £5 fishing open that includes rod provided.