Wetlands Boardwalk
This Spring Alexandra Palace joined forces with the Friends of Alexandra Park to create an accessible boardwalk at the centre of the wetlands in the south-east corner of the Park, opening up the space for everyone to enjoy.
Funding the Project
To bring this vision to life, we launched a community crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to the generosity of local residents, park lovers, and an anonymous matched funding donor, the crowdfunding campaign officially closed after raising a grand total of £24,315! Gift aid on donations will make the impact of the appeal even greater.
The incredible success of the campaign allowed the project to expand beyond its original scope:
- The Boardwalk: The first £10,000 secured the construction of the accessible boardwalk through the heart of the wetlands, opening access to Bruce’s Platform, a well-loved bird-watching spot.
- Footbridges: The additional income raised toward the project allow us to start work on a further phase of the wetlands project, upgrading the footbridges crossing the wetlands and elsewhere in the woods to make the entire route safer and more accessible for everyone.
Looking ahead
Work on the boardwalk and bridges is scheduled to begin in Autumn/Winter 2026. Once complete, the boardwalk will ensure a safe, accessible pathway for all visitors, to Bruce’s Platform all year round and support health and wellbeing by connecting people with nature.
We continue to fundraise from grant-giving organisations to secure funding for further elements of the wetlands scheme. Watch this space for updates as the project gets underway.
To everyone who donated, shared the campaign, and supported this project, thank you. Your support has helped secure the future of this beautiful green space.
The wider wetlands project
The boardwalk is part of a larger wetlands creation programme in the south-east corner of Alexandra Park. Phase one, made possible by £50,000 from the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, was completed in early 2025. It involved clearing overgrown woodland, creating new water channels and pools to hold water sustainably, and repairing drainage to reduce winter flooding on park paths. The wetlands will divert water away from paths, making the whole park easier to enjoy year-round — for families, older residents, dog walkers, and people with mobility needs. Better water management will protect and restore the wetland ecosystem for the long term, creating richer, healthier habitats.
The next phase is the boardwalk, opening this remarkable corner of the park to everyone.
Why a boardwalk?
- Gives everyone direct access into the wetlands, bringing you closer to the insects and aquatic life that call this landscape home
- Provide year-round access to Bruce’s Platform, a well-loved birdwatching spot, which will stand as a lasting feature for generations to come
- Supports health and wellbeing by connecting people with nature, offering a peaceful space for walking, reflection, and the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors
Celebrating 20 years of Friends of Alexandra Park
This project marks a milestone year. The Friends of Alexandra Park have championed this green space for two decades, and the boardwalk, including access to Bruce’s Platform, a well-loved local birding spot, will stand as a lasting feature for generations to come.