Guardians of Whitewebbs
Join our campaign to save Whitewebbs Park, a naturally rewilded public park in Enfield, North London from development by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) for its new training ground.
Brief History
The 240 acre Park, comprising grassland and ancient woodland, was bought by Enfield Council in 1931 for the public. It is Green Belt land held in Public Trust on a lease term of 999 years. The Park (grassland section) was used since the 1930s as a public golf course. Enfield Council began a tendering process in 2019 to lease the golf course area. This resulted in THFC being selected as the preferred bidder in 2021. The golf course was formally closed in 2021. The lease stated that if the golf course was to close, it would revert to public use. Since its closure, everyone has continued to enjoy this beautiful Park. There has been minimal maintenance, which has meant the old golf course has been naturally rewilding ever since. The current established, thriving, ecosystem provides a stunning mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland habitats and is home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna, which includes rare and protected species. Now, THFC wants to expand its commercial football training centre for elite players into the rewilded grassland section, and build a new road through a portion of the ancient woodland near Whitewebbs Lake, which would irremediably destroy the historic character of the Park and the vital, present nature, and take away a long standing space dedicated to the public. And this all comes in a time where we are losing so much publicly accessible open space, with an ever growing population, and during the threatening loom of climate change and species decline. Enfield Council are backing THFC's proposals in spite of the overwhelming public opposition.
Our Video
This short, 5 minute video addresses Tottenham Hotspur's claims.
Recent News Coverage
Brydie Monaghan from London Live Speaks to Guardians of Whitewebbs Members Sam Gracie Tillbrook, Chair, and Ed Allnutt, broadcast on 13th January 2025.
Edited by: Brydie Monaghan for London Live. | Featuring footage copyright by: Sam Gracie Tillbrook, Ed Allnutt, Jo Syz, Acro Aviator, Colin Pressland and Alison Gracie. | Events featured in additional footage: Green Sketching with Sharon Drew and the Nature Walk and Tree Shrine Making with Benny Hawksbee and Melisa Zulu.
Vision
Our aim is for Whitewebbs Park to become a designated nature reserve.
We would like to see the Park become a central hub for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature that this borough showcases and to be a beacon for biodiversity in London.
Our vision is to build an inclusive community focussed on rewilding; environmental and wildlife education; mindfulness and collaborative activities (outdoor crafts, gardening, nature walks, retreats, eco-therapy, sustainable sports).
Current Aims
We are campaigning to save the Park from development. Please join us - we'd love to have you on board. Please sign up! We have regular events, and it will be great to have you there.
Photo by Alison Gracie
Get Involved
These are the ways you can be a part of our campaign:
- Attend our fun, family friendly nature walks and events.
- Join us at protests.
- Support our social media and share our videos with your friends.
- Become a member of GOWW.
- Sign up, and be a part of the discussion in our WhatsApp group.
- Offer your campaign expertise - email us.
Thank you so much!
Much love from the Guardians of Whitewebbs!
Photos from the Community
Send in your photos for a chance to be featured on our Instagram: sam@avidbeats.com
Extra Links
This page was built by Avid Beats, for the Guardians of Whitewebbs (GOWW). Avid Beats is a local music producer, chair of GOWW.