Launch of revamped reserve

We will be holding a launch event for the newly revamped reserve on

Friday July 8th 12-2. Come and see the transformations that have taken place over the last 6 months and find out how you can become involved in the maintenance of this lovely oasis in South Bermondsey

Recent developments May 2011

There has been a terrific transformation in the nature reserve over the last 4 months. Volunteers from Trust for Urban Ecology have been hard at work, creating a bog garden where the pond was, creating a new pond where there will be more sunlight, turfing a complete meadow and planting lots of trees, shrubs and native wildflower plants. We are delighted with the changes and particularly grateful to Deutsche Bank who have not only provided groups of corporate volunteers but have also been generous in donating money to the reserve for further improvements. We are waiting for news of possible monies from Awards for All which if our bid is successful will allow us to run community volunteering events, training courses on wildlife gardening, meadow managements and fungus identification during the summer and autumn. More on this in future posts.

Re shaping of the reserve

Over the last couple of months a lot has been happening at the reserve. Thanks to a generous contribution from Bermondsey Community Council's Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund we have been able to start work on a comprehensive re shaping of the reserve. Volunteers with the Trust for Urban Ecology and corporations such as Deutsche Bank have been hard at work replacing the boundary fence with a habitat wall. This will encourage insects and other wildlife.

The invasive Trees of Heaven have been removed and will be replaced with native species.

The pond is to be re-landscaped and a new pond will be created away from shade. The paths will be made wheelchair accessible and a flowering meadow will be planted. We hope to organise a launch day in the spring but until then there are no open access events planned while we make the site safe for the public.

Anyone interested in being involved should contact Ben Dewhurst on 0208 293 1904

New photos - Sep 2010

Next Seasonal Activity Day

Our next seasonal activity day is planned for Saturday December 12th 11am-2pm. All are welcome to join in the activities, including bulb planting, pond clearing, minibeast identification, compost turning.

We'll also be celebrating the success of our rainwater harvesting scheme. Come along!

Peppercorn rent

One of the most successful events of 2009 has been the campaign to persuade Southwark Council that we should not need to pay the £200 license fee. We have succeeded in persuading them that we only need to pay what is called a peppercorn rent, a nominal fee, and this has greatly cheered us all. Thanks to Southwark councillors for making this happen.