Description
The Silk Stream flows through Rushgrove Park, which has long existed as open space, remaining so when the area was transformed from rural landscape to suburbs in the 1930s almost certainly remaining unbuilt on due to its liability to flooding. Flanked by Rushgrove Avenue and Colin Gardens either side of the stream, it was laid out as a recreation ground by the mid 1950s, initially known as Colindeep Open Space, with winding paths, a pond and tennis courts to the south and the stream straightened to its current route. The park today has wooded and winding paths and among its trees are gingko, catalpa and conifers, the former site of the pond now covered over.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Colindeep Open Space |
|---|---|
| Site location | Rushgrove Avenue/Crossway |
| Postcode | NW9 6RD |
| What3Words | ///renew.head.year |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Barnet |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | Playground; tennis and basket ball courts |
| Public Transport | Tube: Colindale (Northern) then walk. Bus: 32, 142, 226, 292. |
| Research Updated | 1 April 2003 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
On its route to flow into the Brent Reservoir, now the Welsh Harp (q.v.), the Silk Stream meanders through the suburban environment, which is punctuated by a number of riverside parks. A number of these were created as part of housing estates such as the LCC's Watling Estate, and include Silkstream Park and Watling Park (q.q.v.).
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ217891 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 3.46 |
| Site Ownership | LB Barnet |
| Site Management | Leisure and Youth Services, Green Spaces Division/Friends of Rushgrove Park |
| Dates | 1950s |
| 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 | Barnet |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Borough Importance II (Silk Stream) |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Local Park. Green Chain |
Gallery
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Nearby parks and gardens
Malcolm Park is a small linear park largely laid to grass, now flanked by the M1, the noise of which is ever-present. Remaining open space alongside the railway and Hendon Sidings as the area became built up in the C20th, it was laid out as a park by 1956. A tarmac path runs from north to south and across to the eastern entrance from Woodward Avenue where 3 oval rose beds are situated each side of the path, the only area of formal planting. Trees on the perimeter of the path include willows and copper beech.
Hendon Grove was formerly the gardens of Grove House, one of the largest houses in Hendon, built in 1753. In the C20th Hendon Town Hall (1900), the Fire Station (1911) and the Public Library (1929) were built on its grounds. Part of the gardens remain as a small public park, consisting of two lawns set in a shallow sunken area, into which are the remnants of steps. It is surrounded by mixed planting of mature trees, including exotic fir, holly, beech and horse chestnut, survivals from the earlier garden.
Hendon War Memorial was unveiled on 23 April 1922 and was originally located near St Joseph's Convent. In 1923 Watford Way was built and Hendon Central station opened, as the area was increasingly developed. The War Memorial was moved to its current location in 1962 when the road was widened. It now stands within a landscaped area that is effectively a traffic island on Watford Way near the junction with The Burroughs. The Memorial is set within cruciform paving with lawn either side.
