Haringey rallies to make Alexandra Park wetlands accessible to all
The south-east corner of Alexandra Park is a quiet sanctuary of reeds and water, yet for many Haringey residents with mobility challenges, the terrain has long remained difficult to navigate. This specific pocket of the park, home to a vital wetland habitat, is now the focus of a community-driven effort to ensure that nature is within reach for every visitor, regardless of their physical ability.
A new crowdfunding appeal has been launched to raise £10,000 for the installation of a permanent boardwalk. This infrastructure will create a stable, inclusive route through the wetlands, directly connecting the main paths to the birdwatching area known locally as Bruce’s Platform. Currently, the uneven ground can become impassable during wetter months, limiting the ability of families with prams, elderly residents, and wheelchair users to experience the site’s biodiversity.
Opening Bruce’s Platform to every visitor
The proposed boardwalk is designed to serve as a gateway to one of the park’s most important wildlife habitats. By providing a level, slip-resistant surface, the project will allow people of all ages to reach Bruce’s Platform safely. This vantage point is a central hub for local birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who monitor the various species that migrate through the north London green space.
Patricia Moody, Chair of the Friends of Alexandra Park, noted that the installation of the boardwalk is intended to open the wetlands to every member of the community. The project is not merely about construction; it is about removing the physical barriers that prevent residents from connecting with the natural world. Every donation contributed to the fund effectively pays for another section of the timber path, bringing the project closer to its goal of a fully inclusive wetlands experience.
A milestone project for the Friends of Alexandra Park
The launch of this fundraiser coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Friends of Alexandra Park. Over the past two decades, the group has worked alongside the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust to maintain the site’s heritage and ecological health. This accessibility project is viewed as a lasting legacy to mark the milestone, ensuring the park remains a functional asset for future generations.
The campaign relies heavily on local participation, inviting park users and residents to take direct ownership of the improvements. The collaborative nature of the fundraiser reflects a broader trend in Haringey where community groups take the lead on hyper-local environmental enhancements that might otherwise face budget constraints.
Environmental resilience and the wider rewilding vision
Beyond accessibility, the boardwalk is a component of a much larger ecological strategy for Alexandra Palace. The wetlands serve a dual purpose: they support a wide array of amphibians, aquatic wildlife, and native plants while acting as a natural defense against urban flooding. Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, highlighted that these areas are becoming increasingly critical for climate resilience across the site.
Earlier phases of this rewilding work were supported by the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund. This established the foundation for healthier habitats that now support diverse bird and insect populations. The new boardwalk will allow the Trust to manage visitor flow more effectively, protecting sensitive ground-level habitats from being trampled while still allowing the public to observe the wildlife closely.
How the match-funded campaign works
The fundraising drive operates under a match-funding model, which significantly increases the impact of individual contributions. For every £1 donated by the public, the campaign receives an additional £1 in matching funds, effectively doubling the value of every gift. This mechanism is designed to help the group reach its £10,000 target more rapidly.
Organisers have set a deadline of Monday, 15 June 2026, to meet the financial goal. If successful, the project will move into the procurement and construction phase shortly thereafter. The Friends of Alexandra Park are encouraging anyone who values the park’s open spaces to contribute, emphasizing that even small donations help secure the materials needed for the boardwalk’s completion.
Source: Haringey Council
