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Lily Pads. |
Having already walked through Brent Lodge Park, I followed the Capital Ring, along the River Brent, and passed beneath the Wharncliffe Viaduct. This incredible piece of engineering must have looked incredible, when it was first completed, but now, with the tree cover, it is hard to see its full beauty.
This monolith of engineering skill was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his father, Marc. It was built using arches formed by hollow piers of engineering brick. It stands at an elevation of 20 metres (65.6 feet).
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Wharncliffe Viaduct. |
It opened in 1837 and is named after Lord Wharncliffe, who was the man that took the Great Western Railway Bill through Parliament. It is now Grade I listed.
The River Brent, flowing beneath this architectural marvel, is home to water voles, kingfishers and herons, amongst many others.
I turned left and headed into Hobbayne Half Acre Field, the tree canopy providing much needed shade from the summer sun. As I continued I was suddenly confronted by a large rock, slap bang in the middle of the path.
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A Sarsen Stone in the middle of the path. |
An information board, at the end of the path, stated that this was one of the many Sarsen Stones to be found in and around Hanwell.
Not as large as those found at Stonehenge or Avebury, it was still a nice thing to discover. Sarsen Stones are silicified sandstone rocks and are around 450,000 years old.
To my left was a loggery, which was created from old wood cleared from the woodland. It was now home to a myriad of insects and beetles. The rotting wood is perfect for the Stag Beetle, which is Britain's largest beetle and a endangered species.
The path continued on a little further, but too soon brought me out on to Station Road, just a short walk from Hanwell station.
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Hanwell and Elthorne station sign. |
Brief History
In 1484 a Hanwell yeoman gifted some land to be used by the poor and needy of the area. The woodland at Hobbayne Half Acre Field is part that land.
In 2016 a partnership was formed between the Charity of William Hobbayne and Trees for Cities. This partnership, which is supported by community groups, local residents and schools, will make a difference to the local area and the wider community.
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