The two Craneford Playing Fields are a familiar feature of this part of Twickenham and are much used by the public for numerous leisure activities. They are separated by the historic Marsh Farm Lane and a rather intrusive brick wall, which interestingly retains culverts that indicate the original flow of the River Crane.

The Craneford Playing Fields came under scrutiny at the public inquiry in December 2003 and their use and management continues to be discussed. FORCE is extremely keen that these remain open spaces fully accessible to the local population.

FORCE has a number of ongoing projects in this area:

• Improving safety and the aesthetics of the area.
• Developing a riverside path.
  
• Monitoring and reporting of graffiti.
• Monitoring of trees (including recent plantings on the west playing field).
• Wildlife monitoring (the East Playing Field is a popular feeding area for bats).
•  The development of more sympathetic management of the fields.

Latest News:  The Woodpecker Bench at the southeastern corner of the West Playing Field has become the second of a series of benches that FORCE hopes to install along the Crane Valley. See press release for more details. Several unmown strips along the boundaries of the West Playing Field were allowed to develop thanks to the council contractors leaving them alone during mowing sessions. These have increased the biodiversity value of the site. The West Playing Field has been christened Craneford Recreation Ground under the new council sign scheme!

Past work: The replacement of sections of the wall at Marsh Farm Lane with iron railings in order to open up views and improve visual safety. The creation and erection of signage for historic Marsh Farm Lane (thanks to Doug Craik). Opening up of part of the wall to facilitate a riverside path. Establishing a pathway along the south side of the West Playing Field. Persuading the Council to remove unnecessary chainlink fence on the edge of the West Playing Field. Installing bat boxes on trees on the East Playing Field.