A ripple disturbs the stillness of the small lake in Brookmill Park. This quiet haven nestled in Deptford wasn’t always so peaceful.
Brookmill Park a green lung in the heart of London has a rich history. It began life in 1880 as a small recreation ground near the Kent Waterworks reservoir. This reservoir supplied water to Deptford and Greenwich. It drew its water from the River Ravensbourne.
In the 1920s a part of the disused reservoir was filled. This expansion created the park we see today. World War II brought destruction. Nearby housing on Brookmill Road was bombed. The cleared land enlarged the park. It reopened in 1951 as Ravensbourne Park. In 1965 Lewisham and Deptford merged. The park went back to its original name Brookmill Park.
The 1990s brought another transformation. The DLR extension to Lewisham rerouted the River Ravensbourne. Much of the park east of the river was used for the DLR tracks. The river’s new channel became the park’s eastern boundary. W S Atkins re-landscaped the park. They incorporated a former Thames Water site. This became a formal garden with ponds pergolas and flowerbeds. The park reopened in 1998.
Today Brookmill Park is more than just a park. It’s a nature reserve. A small lake remains a testament to the reservoir’s past. Mature trees surround it including London planes. Native plants thrive on a disused railway embankment. The park’s marshes water and grasslands support a diverse ecosystem. It floods at high tide. Kingfishers grey herons and other birds are regular visitors. The River Ravensbourne teems with life. Stone loach miller’s thumb and various invertebrates call it home.
The park’s footpaths and cycle paths are part of the Waterlink Way. They also form part of National Cycle Route 21. This route extends from the River Thames to Eastbourne. Brookmill Park a small yet significant green space. It tells a story of industry war and regeneration. It’s a vital part of the Deptford landscape. A place where history and nature intertwine. A perfect spot for a quiet reflection or a brisk walk. Enjoy your time in Brookmill Park.