CONSERVATIONISTS have called for landowners to put their “animosity” behind them and work together to save Wanstead Park.

The historic green space was last month put on the English Heritage 'at risk' register due to its extensive deterioration, and conservationists say the site desperately needs Lottery funding if it is to return to its former glory.

Members of the Wanstead Parklands Community Project (WPCP) say the park's owner, the City of London Corporation, must put its disagreements with Redbridge Council to one side if progress is to be made.

Ralph Potter of WPCP said: “There has always been this animosity between the London Borough of Redbridge and the City of London but I'm hoping they're going to get over that if there is going to be improvements to the park.

“Redbridge Council sees the park as a bit of a black hole and thinks that it's not their problem, but then they will assert their authority over things like trees.

“This in turn gets the City of London's backs up because they don't like people asserting their authority on what they see as their patch.

“We have to get the major stake holders working together on this, as at the end of the day, it's going to need some big Lottery money.”

The 140 acre site, which is all that remains of the magnificent Wanstead House estate, is currently undergoing extensive work to repair leaks in one of its ponds, but attention to the park’s, but campaigners say its unique historic buildings also need urgent renovation.

One of its key landmarks, a rare 18th century grotto, has fallen into ruin, and is currently fenced off from the rest of the park.

The park's need for lottery funding has become even more acute after it recently missed out on funding from the Mayor of London's office, which could have seen it receive thousands of pounds for improvements.

Redbridge Council and the City of London corporation are yet to comment.