Composers Park
Open all year
Colourful wildflower meadows in Elstree. 6.3ha with 7 points of interest.
Basketball hoop
Sports Court
Unmarked court with one basketball post for games or practice.
Climbing frame
Teenage Area
Installed in 2012 with support of lottery funding, this climbing frame caters for the older aged children and providing challenging play
Five-a-side kickabout area
Sports Pitch
Unmarked area for 5-a-side kickarounds complete with 2 goal posts
Insects
Meadow
During the spring and summer months the meadows are alive with the buzz of insects. Common Blue Damselflies are on the wing and can be seen in large numbers along the hedgerows and near the pond. In late June, July and August different species of butterfly can be seen feeding on the nectar of the wildflowers including Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled white and Large Skipper.
Play Area
Toddler Play Area
Play area containing the following items;-
- 2 x Flat swings
- 2 x Cradle swings
- Cantilever swing
- Multi-play unit
- Toddler multi-play unit
- Stepping stones, wobble log & balance beam
- Roundabout
Pond
Water Habitat
Take a look in the pond and see what you can see, you may be lucky enough to find a Common Frog or their tadpoles in the spring, maybe even a Smooth Newt as they briefly come up to the surface for air. The large willow near the stream is regularly cut at the same height, a traditional management technique called pollarding, this helps the tree survive into old age.
Wildflower Meadow
Meadow
Areas like Composers Park are important areas for wildlife in the UK, once common, hay meadows like these seen dramatic declines in their number. A staggering 97% were lost between 1930 and 1983, largely due to changes in farming and development.
Park Information
IN THE LIGHT OF GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE AROUND CORONAVIRUS, PLEASE USE THE PLAY AREAS, SPORTS COURTS AND FIXED GYM EQUIPMENT IN A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER AND IN LINE WITH ONSITE NOTICES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.Â
Composers Park has a series of colourful and important wildflower meadows, from spring to summer the meadows are peppered with an ever changing spectrum of colour provided by the wildflowers. From the yellows of Meadow Buttercup, through whites of the delicate Lesser Stitchwort, to the purples of flowers like Tufted Vetch, part of the pea family, it uses its tendrils to attach on to green stalks and clamber its way to sunlight.
Green Woodpeckers can be seen feeding on insects in the grassland, ants are a particular favourite, well camoflaged in the grass the woodpeckers red head cap is a distinguishing feature, along with their cacking call made when disturbed.
The meadows across the park were historically cut for hay and until recently grazed by sheep, cows and latterly horses. Grazing has now ceased but the annual hay cut continues to help keep the meadows open, the growth of trees and shrubs in check and allows wildflowers to thrive.
As well as exploring the meadows and experiencing the wildlife, there are a number of benches situated aroudn the park, why not picnic by the pond. For the more adventurous, at the parks centre is a children’s play area, climbing frame, basketball hoop and five-a-side kickabout area.
On Site Facilities
- Disabled Access
- Dog Free Area
- Dogs Welcome
How to get here
Parking:Composers Park is located in Elstree, close to junction 4 of the M1 with the A41. the park can be accessed from the A411 Watford Road and Sullivan Way. There is no car park but some parking is available on Sullivan Way, directions here
Public Transport Information:There are bus stops at the entrance on the A411 Watford Road.
The park is a 1.5 mile walk from Elstree & Borehamwood Railway Station.
For more information use Intalink website www.intalink.org.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk
Cycling:
No cycling is permitted within the park. Best route access via Watford Road.
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