Description
Donkey Wood is part of Crane Valley Park, with Brazil Mill Woods to the south. It may have got its name from the donkeys that used to carry materials to and from the Gunpowder Mills along the River Crane from the C17th until 1926, when the mills were finally closed down. Towards the north of Donkey Wood are remains of the high earth mounds created around the mill buildings where the gunpowder was dried and stored as protection from explosions, which were common and sometimes devastating. The charcoal was probably burnt in Donkey Wood where alder and willow were common.
Practical Information
| Site location | Staines Road (Baber Bridge)/River Gardens |
|---|---|
| Postcode | TW4 |
| What3Words | ///menu.fees.finest |
| Type of Site | Public Open Land |
| Borough | Hounslow |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Public Transport | Rail: Feltham then bus. Heathrow West, Hatton Cross (Piccadilly) then bus. Bus: 116, 117, 235 |
| Research Updated | 1 November 2005 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Various remains of the old mills can be found near the Duke of Northumberland's River at the southern end of the wood near Baber Bridge, including a runner stone used to crush the saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur to produce the mill cake that finally formed gunpowder.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ111746 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 6.07 |
| Site Ownership | LB Hounslow |
| Site Management | John Laing Integrated Services |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Hounslow |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Metropolitan Importance |
| Green Belt | Yes |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - SRB |
| Other LA Designation | Local Park |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
Feltham Park was laid out on former Glebe Land purchased under the auspices of the Middlesex County Council in 1938, with facilities for cricket, tennis, putting greens and football pitches. A sports arena was under construction in 1960. The Assembly Hall with a small clock tower overlooks the main area of open grassland, which has perimeter tarmac paths and some planting of shrubs and roses. To the north is an ornamental pool that was once fed from an underground stream, with a pergola running alongside the water. The park has a number of mature trees including London plane, oak, horse chestnut and various ornamental species, and a fine white poplar just outside the park boundary.
Blenheim Park is bounded to the north by the Longford River, which was constructed in the 1630s on the orders of Charles I in order to supply the ornamental waters at Hampton Court Palace, the water brought from the River Colne. It remains in the ownership of the Crown, managed by Royal Parks. Blenheim Park is largely open grassland with football pitches. Once fields, it remained open land when the area was gradually built up with housing.
Beaversfield Park was opened by the Mayor of Heston and Isleworth Borough Council on 8 June 1935, its name taken from the fields of Beavers Farm to the west of Hounslow Barracks on Beavers Lane. It was created to serve the rapidly growing population of Hounslow West, and its early facilities included bowling and putting greens, tennis courts and children's playground as well as horticultural features.