Our engagement and consultation programme

In winter 2020/21 and summer 2021 we undertook two rounds of public consultation. Thank you to everyone who contributed. The consultations are now closed, but you can read about the results and feedback received below, and download the full survey results. 

First round of consultation

In the first round of public consultation winter 2020/21 we introduced the site, summarised the aims of the project and the initial research completed. We asked for feedback on specific questions including:

• Which features are most important to you?
• How do you enjoy and connect to wildlife?
• What would you most like to improve?

A summary of the feedback received can be viewed below, and full results can be downloaded below.

We used the responses to develop proposals to improve the site, and undertook a second phase of consultation on these proposals in summer 2021. 

Second round of consultation

In the second round of consultation we presented our proposed Masterplan and asked for feedback on proposals for improving accessibility, getting closer to nature, providing access to habitats and protecting them, the design and use of a new visitor centre, and treating the infestation of Japanese Knotweed at The Paddock. 

There was a variety of ways in which residents could help inform and shape the plans for The Paddock, including completing the online surveys, meeting the design team in person, and emailing the project team directly.

The responses we received have informed the development of detailed designs for improving the site. 

Consultation results

First round: winter 2020/21

in our first phase of consultation over the winter of 2020/21, we invited residents to give us their views on the Paddock and what could be improved through new design and management of the site. Thanks to everyone who gave us their views, via:

• Completing our user survey – 79 respondents
• Providing comments via our online map – 5 comments
• Attending one of three meetings with the project team

Your responses helped shape the concept designs presented here and our ongoing management partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

Your feedback

This below is a summary of the responses given. The full survey results can be found here .

How do you normally use the Paddock? (Multiple choice question)

• Walk – 86%
• Cycle- 9%
• Public Transport- 0%
• Car – 1%
• Other -4%

Where do you visit from? (Multiple choice question)

• Home-94%
• Work – 2%
• Other – 4%

How often do you visit? (Multiple choice question)

• Daily- 1%
• Several times a week-11%
• Once a week-18%
• Once a month- 27%
• Less than once a month- 30 %
• Just a one-time visit -13%

How long do you normally spend at the paddock? (Multiple choice question)

• Less than 30 minutes-54%
• 30 minutes-1 hour-41%
• 1-2 hours -4%
• 2+ hour- 1%

How long have you been visiting the Paddock? (Multiple choice question)

• Less than 6 months- 15%
• 6 months – 3years- 51 %
• 3 years to 10 years- 18%
• 10 years or more -17%

What do you like/value about the Paddock? (Free text question)

Top 5 answers

• Access to Green Space/nature
• Wildlife/Nature Reserve
• Peaceful/Quiet
• Great place or a walk

'Quiet! feels like its outside of London because of the tree coverage, wild and overgrown and unplanned, not sanitized like a park, no hard path like the tow paths to force you along, doesn't rush you, no runners or cyclists doing laps, full of wildlife. until the new flats came in you could look around and only see trees and maybe one of the old towers'

'It is an oasis of calm. Great for wildlife'

'The unusual elder woodland. Birdsong in spring. Great views of the undisturbed channel on the east side. The huge number of dragonflies in summer. The growing wildlife in the pond. The views from the circular space over the reservoirs'

Which features are most important to you? (Multiple choice question and user asked to pick 3)

Top 3 answers

• Trees and Woodland
• General peace and quiet
• Waterside setting

How do you connect to wildlife? (Multiple choice question)

Top 4 answers

• Walking through woodlands or habitats
• Looking for specific features such as wildflowers or interesting trees
• Listening to sounds
• Following trails and reading about wildlife through signage and interpretation

What would you most like to improve about the Paddock? (Multiple Choice question)

Top 4 answers

• Improved feeling of personal safety
• A route that follows the river providing clear views of the riverbank
• Seating and benches
• Litter bins

Do you have any ideas to make the Paddock more accessible to visitors? (Free text question) 

‘There should be a small-scale play area for young children. Given there isn’t one at the wetlands there isn’t much for small kids in the hyper local area. The main path needs better surfacing as it can get extremely slippery and muddy after rain.’ 

‘Another bridge into the Wetlands would be nice so you could walk from Tottenham Hale to Blackhorse Road without having to walk along Forest Road.’ 

’Although I think the trees should be preserved to a certain extent, but I think not being able to see the entrance when you are deep in, or not being able who could be coming out of the woods makes it really scary. Visibility of the river, more exits, lower height if flora could help maybe. A café with signage for it on the road could be really helpful!’ 

‘Building on a route that follows the riverbank, it'd be good to have some routes through the middle of the paddock, rather than just having the existing route. A nature trail perhaps. A wooden children's play area wouldn't be a bad idea, although conscious this may have a negative impact on existing wildlife.’

‘TCV has done great work trimming back some of the trees and bushes, making it feel less threatening when walking 

Do you have any further comments or general feedback about your visit and access to this area? (Free text question)

‘Just to involve the local community! I'd be keen to be involved further and I am hoping to volunteer with the TCV (unfortunately lockdowns have got in the way so far!). It would be nice if more volunteer opportunities were accessible to people who worked during the week...’

‘Very pleased to see the work already done and that there is the promise of more. The Wetlands already shows how such facilities are a huge draw for people in this area, so this will connect to that series of Lea Valley open spaces’

‘It’s a wonderful space with plenty of bins but unfortunately, there is still a large amount of rubbish visible’

Second round: summer 2021

The second round of public consultation on improvements to The Paddock took place from the end of July 2021 to 13th September 2021.

The consultation asked the community questions about the proposed masterplan, movement and accessibility, protecting habitats and the approach to the treatment of Japanese Knotweed. The feedback will be used to inform the next stage of the design process.

 Feedback was gathered through an online survey on Commonplace, two engagement events with the design team at the Paddock, and feedback via a dedicated Parks email address.  

Your feedback

The online questionnaire generated 126 responses. The comments received can be viewed on the Have Your Say page, under each proposal. Full results can be downloaded below.

Analysis shows that almost 75% were positive, approximately 18% were neutral and 7% were negative.

Summary of second round engagement results (July-Sept.2021)

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. Please stay involved by signing up for project updates and more opportunities to have your say.