Mudchute
Mudchute is the name of a locality just south of Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs in Docklands, London, England. The name of the area is in testament to the engineering overspill when Millwall Dock was being constructed in the 1860s. Spoil from the excavation of the Dock, and silt from its channels and waterways were dumped on nearby land, using a conveyor system.
The end of this system, where the rich Thames mud was deposited, was literally a mud chute, and the area of fertile, hilly land thus created became known as "The Mudchute". This area quickly established itself as a wildlife habitat and adventuring location for local children. Over time this developed into a park and a small city farm, which proved popular with dock workers and their families.
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[edit] Facilities
In 1974 the Greater London Council gave permission for the construction of a high-rise housing estate on the Mudchute, and the resulting backlash from the local population lead to the 1977 creation of the Mudchute Association, a registered charity whose primary objective is "Management of the park and farm with special consideration for animals, wildlife, visitors, trainees & staff. To maintain the financial sustainability of the project and to respond to local needs and initiatives."
The park now covers 40 acres (16 ha), and the local authority describes the farm as the largest urban farm in Europe.[1]
Mudchute DLR station, named after the park, opened in 1987. However, the nearest train station for the park is Crossharbour.[2]
The housing estates of Clipper Quay and Mill Quay are located nearby.
The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre on Millwall Dock was set up in 1989 by the London Docklands Development Corporation and the Sports Council at a cost of £1.2 million.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Mudchute Park and Farm". London Borough of Tower Hamlets. http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgsl/451-500/461_parks/mudchute_park.aspx. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "Getting to Mudchute". Mudchute Park & Farm. http://www.mudchute.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
[edit] External links
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