One year after the dedication of five new village greens, Havering Council is reflecting on the positive impact these green spaces have had on the local community.
The dedication ceremonies, which took place throughout the summer of 2024, marked a significant milestone in the borough’s commitment to preserving much-loved green spaces for future generations.
The five village greens, located at Fleet Close, Upminster, Wennington Green, Wennington Village, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill and Dover’s Corner at New Zealand Way, Rainham, have become cherished community assets.
Even before their dedication, the village greens have been popular spots for local people with a wide range of organised and informal community-led activities from litter picks, gardening projects and outdoor sports that bring the community together.
Angela King, who lives close to Gooshays, said:
“I’ve been a Gooshays Green resident for 17 years and have used it throughout that time.
“It’s lovely to see children enjoying it, playing cricket and rounders, as well as people sitting out there on their work breaks.
“The new benches have been a very welcome addition this past year.
“Knowing it is protected for future generations, and how hard we fought for the green, means so much.”
Looking ahead for 2025’s dedications, Havering Council has already announced the formal creation of two new village greens for the borough at June’s cabinet meeting.
- Platford Green and Tyle Green, including Garland Way, Emerson Park, will take place on Sunday 20 July 2025.
- Tees Drive and Priory Road, including Carter’s Brook, Harold Hill, will take place on Saturday 26 July 2025.
In addition, the Council will add a further three dedications for this summer, for those locations that have previously been registered and awarded village green status, but have not had a formal dedication:
- Ongar Way, South Hornchurch, designated a village green in 1970, will take place on Saturday 2 August 2025.
- Reed Pond Walk Copse, Rise Park, designated a village green in 2012, will take place on Sunday 31 August 2025.
- Rise Park, Havering-atte-Bower, designated a village green in 1972, event details to follow.
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, reflected on the success of the village greens:
“As Havering looks to the future, the dedication of these village greens stands as a testament to this Administration’s commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering that vital sense of community.
“I’m pleased to say that, by the end of this summer, we will have delivered ten village greens in two years and we are so pleased to see how these much-loved village greens have been embraced by the community.
“The success of these initiatives highlights the importance of accessible, well-maintained green spaces for the health and happiness of all residents and I am looking forward to celebrating 2025’s summer of dedications.”