RESTORATION & CONSERVSATION

RESTORATION

Original features of the park have been restored and conserved for future generations to enjoy.

The Edwardian Garden, planted a century ago, dominates the south of the park. The original vistas have been carefully restored to their former glory and includes important specimen trees, such as the Western Red Cedar and the Chilean Pine. The refurbished Edwardian Garden steps lead you down to the Remembrance Garden, laid in memory of those who lived, volunteered and worked on this site in the many hospitals.

The St Pancras Workhouse/Orphanage railings have been beautifully restored along College Road (once known as Asylum Road) and the restored hospital Font situated near the car park, was first shown on an OS map in 1897.

Work continues throughout the park including tree planting and the establishment of wild flower meadows nestled in the quieter south side will be the new 'Little Blossom Orchard', a fruit orchard for the community to enjoy.

The project aims to recognise the history of the site and the importance of Leavesden to the community. We hope to instill a sense of ownership and pride about Leavesden Country Park.

CONSERVATION

The park is home to wild flowers, fruit orchards, butterflies and animals.  Here you will find the Chilean Pine (Monkey Puzzle Tree), the inspiration for the Leavesden Country Park logo.

Towards the north of the park, a meandering path through the woodlands allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet.  You may spot bluebells and, in the twilight, perhaps a Common Pipperstrelle or Noctule bat will fly by.

The park also has wildflower meadows providing invaluable place for birds, insects and mammals to flourish.  These grasslands provide beautiful habitats and a home to an array of species including delicate wildflowers and Comma butterflies.  

EAST LANE CEMETERY

The 1866 Lychgate, forms the impressive entrance to East Lane Cemetery, which belonged to and was used by the Leavesden Hospitals. 

Three Rivers District Council have worked with a specially trained team to carefully restore all grave markers, log all details of the graves and return the cemetery to the beautiful place that so many people who have visited this site over the years remember.

The logging of the grave markers is essential to ensure that the details of the staff and patients from the hospital, who are at rest in the cemetery, are preserved for future generations to appreciate and will be shared with the Heritage Hub to ensure that this is the case.

Restoration is now complete within this area to mark the significance and pay homage to those who died there until as late as 1995. 

A central memorial wall has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the architecture of the Leavesden Hospital buildings. This pays homage to those who have been laid to rest within East Lane Cemetery. The wall also displays a memorial stone to remember those staff members who gave their lives in two World Wars.

Share by: