This short video showcases the River Crane in the southern section of Cranford Park in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The river rises as the Yeading Brook in Harrow and becomes the Crane in the reach between Minet Country Park and Cranford Park. [N.B. Cranford Park is also known as Cranford Country Park and Cranford Countryside Park.]
The first half of the video includes some footage of the the Grade II listed Cranford Park Bridge which was built circa 1805. The park was once a part of the grounds of Cranford House which was demolished just after the end of the Second World War. At the time of filming, Cranford House's vaulted cellars and the nearby stable block were being restored, and visitor facilities (a cafe, toilets, new play area and larger car park) added, as part of a £2.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund project.
North of the M4 lies the northern section of the park which is dominated by woodland and has a wilder feel to it. The River Crane also flows through that section as well.
The video clearly illustrates how the Crane, in common with many uban rivers, has been straightened and widened in the past. However, some meandering still remains as a reminder of the river's natural form. The Crane Valley Partnership is keen to see the Crane river system restored to a more natural state wherever possible, as improvements in the form and function of urban watecourses can yield significant benefits for both wildlife and people.
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