A lovely day for a dip in the river

Bankside management in a sunny Ladywell Fields

Bankside management in a sunny Ladywell Fields

On a bright and sunny Tuesday our volunteers headed to Ladywell Fields for a dip in the river.  There was quite a lot to do, so some donned waders and cleared the Ravensboune of litter, while others concentrated on bankside management.  Between the 4 of them the volunteers in the river pulled out 6 bags of rubbish in just a few hours.  The volunteers working on the banksides were clearing nettles to allow other plants to grow.  This will lead to more diverse flora along the river.

Taking a breather from clearing the river

Taking a breather from clearing the river

This event was part of the successful Rivers and People  Project which is now in its third year.There are many other events held as part of the project and may ways in which you can get involved. Please visit the Rivers & People pages to find out more.

Mils and Meanders, 10 April 11am-1pm

Wade in the water

Wade in the water

From Tudor England to present day, a leisurely wade to from Brookmill Park to Cornmill Gardens, taking in Lewisham’s industrial past and describing plans for river regeneration. Meet by the Park Ranger’s Hut in Brookmill Park. (Enter via the entrance opposite Bolden Street). Contact Lawrence Beale Collins on 07986 237 431

Ladywell Fields clean up with Thames 21

Join Thames 21 at Ladywell Fields on Sunday 11 November for a family friendly clean up.  Email Vic Richardson of Thames 21 for more details.  The meeting point is by the cafe in the northern fields.

The nearest train station is Ladywell, easily accessible from London Charing Cross, Canon Street or London Bridge on the Hayes line.  Buses P4, 122, 284 and 484 stop near by.

Come for a clean up in Ladywell Fields!

London Bubble Theatre Group present a celebration of Ladywell Fields and the River Ravensbourne

On the evening of 16 September, artists, singers and storytellers we present an eclectic array of performances to celebrate the regeneration of Ladywell Fields.  Inspired by the flora, fauna and river life which inhabits the park, and performed by local artists (and dogs) who enjoy the facilities and picnic spots along the river.

Travel advice

The performance starts at the Catford end of the park and moves towards Ladywell.  We want to encourage people to use public transport.  Catford bridge station close to the start, and Ladywell Station near the end, are both on the Hayes to London Bridge, Southeastern line and trains run regularly.

River wade in Brookmill

The rain held off and the sun shone on the Nature’s Gym volunteers this week as they took the the Ravensbourne as part of the 3Rivers Clean Up.  We waded downstream through Brookmill Park removing the litter and Himalayan Balsam.

Picking up litter from the river

The volunteers as usual did great work and managed to take out over 20 bags of litter from the river.  Without the help of these great people a lot of work wouldn’t get done, so we are very grateful for all the help they have given. 

River Dipping in Manor Park cancelled

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the river dipping in Manor Park this Friday.  There are however plenty of other ways to get involved in your local rivers.  Just check out the 3Rivers Clean Up web page and calendar for ways to take part.  Apologies for anyone who was hoping to take part.

3 Rivers Clean Up is on the way – 2nd June until 23rd June

Once again Lewisham will be taking part in the 3Rivers Clean Up.  This is a three week long series of volunteering events on the Rivers Ravensbourne, Poole and Quaggy that flow through Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley. Now in its fourth year, this unique collaboration between a number of key organisations in the area offers the chance for everyone to improve their local environment and have fun doing it.

clearing the Ravensbourne

What is involved?

  • Wear rubber (waders!)
  • Be part of a massive cleanup – clearing out rubbish and invasive plants from an entire river system
  • Learn something about rivers and the plants that grow along them
  • Discover hidden sections of river
  • See some of the best and most beautiful examples of river restoration in the world
  • Have fun and meet people – there will be a celebratory party at the end of the event

Last year the 3Rivers Clean Up engaged a total of 500 volunteers who participated in 17 public events, 4 school events and 9 corporate days. A total of 1542 work hours were spent cleaning up and managing the river network. You can see pictures from previous years’ events here. To see how Nature’s Gym helped please visit our blog pages here and here!

How to get involved

Take a look at the events calendar to find out details of event locations and contact details of the event organisers.  All equipment is provided. Just wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit mucky. 

Events are free but some require pre-booking – therefore please contact the event organiser before attending a session. If there is heavy rain an event may be cancelled at short notice due to the risk of flash flooding.  Please check with the event organiser if the weather is bad.

Ladywell Clean up with Thames 21

Join Thames 21 for a clean up in Ladywell Fields, Lewisham. They will be meeting by the cafe in the northern field, near Ladywell Train Station. For more information, please contact Vic Richardson. For more events on the River Pool, please check out the Rivers and People page on the blog.

River fun with Thames 21

River Pool clean up 4 March 2012

Join Thames 21 for a clean up in on the River Pool, Lewisham. They will be meeting at the end of Winsford Road, Bell Green. For more information, please contact Vic Richardson. For more events on the River Pool, please check out the Rivers and People page on the blog.

Watery fun with Thames 21

Thames 21 clean up 5 February 2012

Join Thames 21 for a clean up along the River Pool in Lewisham.  They will be meeting on the bridge at the end of Winsford Road, SE6.  For more information, please contact Vic Richardson.  For more events on the Rivew Pool, please see our earlier post or check out the Rivers and People page on the blog.

Join Thames21 for some watery fun!

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