Norbury Hall Park, the quiet eight-acre green space off Craignish Avenue locally nicknamed “Squirrel Park,” is seeing continued community efforts into autumn 2026 to enhance and preserve its landscape.
The Role of the Friends of Norbury Hall Park
Established in 2017, the Friends of Norbury Hall Park (FONHP) has been a driving force behind local efforts to revive and maintain the park. Working in close partnership with Croydon Council and surrounding resident networks, this small but dedicated group of volunteers meets regularly for litter-picking sessions and garden maintenance. Their work focuses heavily on tending to the park's historic specimen trees, including its iconic mature cedar tree, and maintaining the ornamental flower beds near the entrances.
Practical Volunteer Sessions and How to Join
Local residents looking to get involved can participate in a range of activities. The group hosts regular volunteer gardening and maintenance days designed to improve accessibility and promote biodiversity within the park. In addition to regular maintenance, the group works to coordinate seasonal community events and has long-term ambitions to secure funding for improved play area facilities. Those interested in joining or finding out about upcoming volunteer dates can reach out directly to the group via email at [email protected].
A Safe Green Asset for SW16
In addition to community gardening, the park has been a key area of focus for local safety. The Norbury and Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods policing team has highlighted the park and surrounding areas off Craignish Avenue, including the adjacent Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club, for priority reassurance patrols. This collaborative civic approach helps ensure that the park remains a safe, welcoming, and peaceful sanctuary for walkers, families, and nature enthusiasts in SW16.