An ancient, Arcadian country estate of fine trees and open skies, enveloped by London and saved by a far-sighted philanthropic. ‘Our park’, a place owned and loved by those who use it every day. Childhoods begin paddling and splashing, climbing in trees and playing through meadows. A place to meet, to fall in love, to form memories.

Water is everywhere, the harnessed power of the river Wandle which drove local industry and milled snuff: surging in places and tamed in others.

There are no barriers at Morden Hall Park: either real or imagined. This is the National Trust for ever, for everyone. Commuters walk to work, teenagers ride their bikes, mums relax in the rose garden and locals meet in the café. Wildlife is abundant: kingfishers, herons, dragonflies. London is ever present: the regular rattle of the tram, birdsong mixing with sirens but escape and tranquillity is never far away.”