About Bushy Park and Longford River

The Longford River runs through Bushy Park. The park is a startling testament to the diverse nature of England's history, and it contains remnants of landmarks form farmlands reflecting a medieval era to deer parks to a wartime camp during WW2.

The park was initially a gift from Cardinal Wolsey to King Henry VIII along with Hampton Court. It was mainly unkempt and was moorland that was rampant with pests. However in the middle ages it was a place for artificial warrens used to rear rabbits, and a venue for rearing deer as well. Through the years Bushy was a spot well-known for raising deer and for hunting. However by the early 17th Century King Charles added the Longford river, which was an artificial ornamental waterway stretching 19km through the park. The River is a hand dug diversion of water from the River Colne in Hertfordshire through Bushy park and then into Hampton Court Palace where it releases itself into the Thames.

However in more recent times the northern course of the river has been diverted near Heathrow but it still ends up running the same course.

While he was commissioning the construction of the river he also made sure a tribute was paid to his Queen with statues and fountains. The feature is known as the Diana fountain the ancient Goddess of hunting.

The character of the park changed over the years as houses and hunting lodges were added to its visage. One of these houses, “Bushy House” is not the National Physical Laboratory. Nowadays the area is going through a restoration phase. It has an extensive range of birds and foliage. Birds ranging from owls to woodpeckers to kestrels are frequently spotted at the park. It is the Longford river that draws this variety of birds in particular the Kingfisher which is found along its banks. Ground-nesting birds also find the spot extremely favourable and thus it remains a protected site for these creatures.

In terms of foliage Bushy park is known for its mature woodland trees such as chestnut, for which the famous Chestnut Avenue is known for. Numerous trees ranging from original and cultivated trees are found in the area. A particular favourite is Mistletoe during the Christmas season. The park is not a place for random recreation but is definitely a treat to take an afternoon walk through.

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