Clissold Park User Group works on behalf of park users, raising issues, contributing to discussions about the park and supporting activities and projects in Clissold Park.
These annual summaries show what CPUG has been working on and some of the issues raised and discussed during each year. They are based on our meeting minutes, Chair’s reports and other group records.
The summaries cover 2022 onwards, when the records available to us allow us to produce a consistent account of the group’s work. CPUG’s involvement with Clissold Park goes back much further, including its role in campaigning for the restoration of the park and Clissold House.
2025
During 2025, CPUG’s work included volunteering and biodiversity activities, raising concerns about cycling and pedestrian safety, discussing accessibility and park facilities, and fundraising for projects in the park.
Regular litter picks restarted, bird surveys and bat walks took place, and work continued to involve volunteers in habitat activities. CPUG also discussed playground accessibility, self-closing gates, Clissold House and the café, the former paddling pool site, animals and wildlife, and other issues affecting the park.
A quiz and auction at Clissold House raised £1,280 towards a defibrillator for the park.
2024
During 2024, CPUG’s work included biodiversity activities, volunteering, raising concerns about cycling and reviewing information and signage around the park. Meetings also covered accessibility, Clissold House and the café, toilets, drainage, the splash pad, the former paddling pool area, self-closing gates and the park’s animals.
CPUG hosted three bat walks, funded bird boxes and paid for lavender planted around the Butterfly Dome. At the FreeWheelin Feastival, the group received 329 survey responses and recruited 20 new members.
The year also saw a change in CPUG leadership, with Alexandra Hamit elected Chair at the July AGM.
2023
During 2023, CPUG’s work included biodiversity activities, with a Bioblitz at the Dipping Pond and guided tree and ecology walks. Meetings also covered accessibility, cycling, the splash pad and former paddling pool site, toilets and the playground, dogs, litter and the use of the park for events and other activities.
CPUG continued to provide a forum for park users to raise concerns and hear updates about developments affecting the park. Accessibility to Clissold House and concerns about cycling speeds and electric delivery bikes were among the issues raised during the year.
At the July AGM, Sophie Cameron was re-elected as Chair and a new Disability Access Representative volunteered to join the group.
2022
During 2022, CPUG meetings covered the construction of the new splash pad, plans for the future of the former paddling pool site, drainage works, Clissold House and the café, the Pump House concession, planting and other park maintenance.
CPUG also discussed its own structure, public engagement and ways to encourage more people to attend meetings and take on representative roles.
The year saw CPUG introduce online participation in a meeting for the first time, with three park users joining the January meeting online.