Ten years in the making, Ingrebourne Hill, a new green space – and a new world of opportunity – for the people of Havering, is open for business!

Once used for gravel extraction and landfill, the 183-acre site in the Ingrebourne River Valley in South Hornchurch is now a superbly landscaped area of grassland, trees and water, with something for people of all ages.

Owned by Ingrebourne Valley Ltd and managed by the Forestry Commission, Ingrebourne Hill has been transformed with funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

To celebrate the launch of the site and show off its facilities, a special Open Day is being held on Saturday, 5 July, and everyone is welcome.

From 11.00 until 17.00 there will be live music, a mountain bike display team, a climbing wall, face painting for the kids, woodland craft demonstrations, a circus skills workshop and – for people to refuel after all this activity – a barbecue and an organic food stall. Local environmental organisations will be mounting stands at the event.

Forestry Commission Community Ranger Luke Everitt said: “Ingrebourne Hill is a great place for people, whatever their age, to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The Open Day is the perfect opportunity to see what the site has to offer and take part in some of the many activities that are being laid on.”

The reclaimed Ingrebourne Hill is the newest addition to the Thames Chase Community Forest, which spans East London and South Essex. It offers the local community a whole range of possibilities for exercise and recreation, right on their doorstep.

Whether you want to get fit – on foot, bike or horseback – go for a gentle stroll, picnic, walk the dog, play with the kids or simply enjoy the wide open spaces, wildlife and newly established plants and trees, there is room for you and your family.

The excellent facilities provided after local public consultation include 4.1 km of paths (including 3 km unsurfaced); 3 km of cycle routes; a 1.3 km mountain bike course; and a 2.1 km horse-riding trail. Other attractions include ponds, picnic spots, two children’s play areas, a viewing point, and 16 benches for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. Free car parking is provided at the site, which is situated off Rainham Road.

Although only 22m (72 ft) above sea level, Ingrebourne Hill is higher than anywhere else in South Hornchurch, and the view from its highest point gives a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, the Thames, the City of London and beyond, as far as the North Downs.

But if it’s the outdoors that appeals, with room to roam and play or quietly relax, there is no need to look further afield. So, come to the Open Day, have fun, and see for yourself the difference that Ingrebourne Hill can make to your life.

Further information about Ingrebourne Hill is available at www.forestry.gov.uk/ingrebourne

Notes to editors

1. The Ingrebourne Hill Open Day is on Saturday, 5 July, from 11.00 until 17.00.

2. Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For further information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/england

3. Ingrebourne Hill is the latest addition to the Thames Chase Community Forest, which covers 40 square miles to the east of London. Part of 12 Community Forests across England, Thames Chase aims to promote the creation and protection of woodlands to the East of London. By working in partnership with local authorities and other landowners in the area they are working towards covering 30% of Thames Chase in woodland by 2030. This will benefit both the local community and the environment.

The Forestry Commission own and manage 10 woodlands in Thames Chase. These are: Berwick Glades, Bonnetts Wood, Cely Woods. Harold Court Woods, Pages Wood, Folkes Lane Woodland, Tyler's Wood, The Thames Chase Forest Centre, Ingrebourne Hill and Mardyke Woods.

4. Ingrebourne Hill is just off the A1306/A125 in South Hornchurch. Free car parking is available at the site.