Nice to Know

Hounslow Heath has a recorded history dating back to Norman times with historical events such as the below are as follows:

• 11th -16th century: Royal hunting grounds. 
• 17th century to present: Military camps and training grounds. 
• 17th – 18th century: Highwaymen, robbers; public hangings. 
• 18th – 19th century: Agriculture and the parliamentary enclosures, development of cartography and the Ordnance Survey. 
• 16th – 20th century: Gunpowder manufacture and early Industrialisation (e.g. milling sword, flax, snuff, flour, copper, oil and calico mills). 
• 1919 – 1923: First World War air defences and development of civil aviation. 
• 19th century – 1973: Extraction of sand and gravels Waste and refuse disposal. 
• 1985 – present day: Wildlife conservation, recreation and education. 

We have considered various approaches to the masterplan, including:

1. Minimal intervention – Focusing only on essential maintenance and conservation.

2. Moderate enhancements – Improving access, signage, and visitor facilities while maintaining ecological balance.

3. Transformative approach – Significant improvements, including new trails, rewilding projects, and increased visitor amenities.