ENVIRONMENT REPORT MARCH 2026
Haringey Parks Department – General
We walked around Muswell Hill with the Parks Manager and Cllr Cathy Brennan on Monday 9th February 2026. The Parks Manager was aware that their service had not been up to standard over the past year. He explained that this was because of unexpected staff shortages, the project manager had been on long term sick leave and another member of the team had unfortunately passed away. New staff are being recruited which will improve the situation, however budgets have been cut due to the poor financial state of Haringey Council.
• Blaenavon park (top of Eastern Road) – the rose beds require attention, new roses required to fill in the gaps
• Midhurst Gardens – the rose beds require attention, new roses required to fill in the gaps. Some of the stone edging needs replacing
• Fortis Green Road raised beds – both require attention
• Pocket Park – the Parks Manager was amazed by the improvement works at the Pocket Park undertaken by a member of the Association. The main outstanding issue is the uneven pavement.
• Woodside Avenue beds – these were being looked after by the Marwood Square residents but now are in a bad condition.
• Sitting area top of Muswell Hill. This whole area and the path down to the Parkland Walk needs a lot of work on it
• Grove Lodge Gardens – the Parks Manager had not visited this area before. The path is quite overgrown, he will see what can be done.
• Haringey is planning to bring the hard landscaping and Parks teams together which will make it easier to complete projects
The Parks Manager agreed that his team will make an improvement plan which will be shared with us
Pocket Park
Following a meeting with the Haringey tree officer permission was given to raise the canopy of the trees to allow more light into the park. The park is looking fantastic with the spring flowers on show. Thanks to Christine who continues to look after the park.
Replacement Bench at Eastern Road green space
The Ed Scott memorial bench had been in the garden since 1988, it was removed by Haringey Council a few years ago because it became unsafe. One of our members who lives nearby has generously ordered a replacement bench from the Council, the Association has offered to share the cost. Ed Scott was a long-time committee member of the Association, an active campaigner and was once membership secretary.
Muswell Hill Broadway Flower Boxes and the Trough
The flower boxes have been emptied ready for the new planting in early May.
New Trees on the Broadway
In February thirteen new trees were planted by the Council in the Broadway and Fortis Green Road. These are the last of the trees funded by our crowd funding campaign.