Geograph - photograph every grid square

Mayesbrook Park was first opened in 1934 during the growth of the Becontree Estate and was formed by enclosing land that was previously open countryside. The two lakes were created when gravel was extracted for use in building the Estate. The lakes are known locally as 'Matchstick Island' and more formally, if uninspiringly, as North Lake and South Lake.

The park was originally designed by the Landscape Architect Thomas Mawson but his plans were never fully realised as the Second World War intervened. Construction stopped and the park was used for temporary army accommodation.

In 2011 the park was significantly altered by widening the Mayes Brook, which followed the western edge of the park, and moving it to meander through the park. The nature area here was created at the same time. The Mayes Brook in its new course is just ahead. The nature area is not open to the public to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. This photograph was taken through the railings.