Over the next couple of months work commences on restoring the pond starting with clearing the island with particular attention given to the willow trees on the island. One tree has suffered storm damage but we hope to be able to pollard the tree back to health. The island will also be cleared of scrub, brambles and rats. Lots of rats.
Following this the pond will be emptied and dug out by diggers. This will seem quite destructive but will benefit the wildlife in the long run. The pond will be relined and a new contained reed bed will be created - ideal for moorhens. We will have a deeper pond with more water surface area for ducks to swim and environments for amphibians to flourish.
Plant vehicles will be parked at the Surrey Canal Road end of Folkestone Gardens and both paths will be closed briefly as the heavier work takes place. We anticipate two days at most.
We hope to create an area for people to sit too within sight of the pond.
It's a big job but the benefit is that the new healthy environment will bring more birds, amphibians and insects to the area.
Please get in touch if you want to know more.
Once the pond is restored new bins will be installed courtesy of our successful application to the Lewisham Council Greening Fund.
The final stage of making Folkestone Gardens a place to be will be a new playground.
Please make sure you support our campaign for a new playground by DROPPING A PIN on Lewisham Council's Common Place map. We live in an area with 49% CHILD POVERTY and this includes the poverty of play opportunities. Let's change that and give our children the best start in life. |
