A meadow in Eton Wick has been extended to open up the area for residents to enjoy! Cooley’s Meadow, which is to the south of Eton Wick Road and west of the Royal Windsor Way, has been extended as part of a land swap arrangement.

The previously unmanaged narrow strip of land has now been extended by the additional parcel of land which had previously been owned by Eton College.

This land will now be public open space, with the existing wire fencing that is no longer required being removed, allowing the site to be opened up to the public.

The site will be managed as a wild flower meadow to improve floral diversity, and additional trees will be planted along the boundaries of the land.

Cllr Samantha Rayner, cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “Extending and improving the open space that is already enjoyed by our residents is fantastic news.

“The larger space will be a great home to new flowers and will allow even more people to enjoy the outdoors giving lots of opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the scenery of Eton Wick next to the Thames.

The meadow was named in memory of Bill Cooley, a farmer who served Eton Wick as a councillor for more than 30 years, and the Royal Borough as Mayor in 1987 and again in 1988.

Barbara Muir, Mr Cooley’s daughter, said: “Dad would be so proud that this area of green open space has been opened up for all to enjoy but also that it has been named after him.

“We will enjoy visiting the meadow as a family and remembering Dad.”

The extended Cooley’s Meadow now covers approximately six acres, and is popular with dog-walkers, joggers and for nature study.

https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/news/article/326/cooley_s_meadow_opened_up_for_residents