“Drought” in Chinbrook Meadows

You can see the Quaggy in Chinbrook Meadows today doing what it is meant to do – allowing water to spread out across the meadows as the rain continues to come down in this time of official drought. Here are a couple of photos to compare April 2011 and 2012.

It is a bit tricky to find a dry way along the paths at the moment but the water should drain away quite quickly when the rain eventually stops. Only the stoical dog walkers were out in the park today and sadly the “Kidz Fiesta” planned for this weekend had to be postponed.

Salad days

Here are a few leaves, found on the banks of the Quaggy in Chinbrook Meadows, that will make a tasty addition to your salad.

 Some are more plentiful than others so please don’t uproot plants but pick a few leaves. If you want to try some nettle recipes feel free, as there are more than enough of those! The Guardian newspaper on Saturday 30th March had some recipe ideas including soup, risotto and omelette.

GCSE geography survey

A group of Geography GCSE students from Riverston School visited Chinbrook Meadows recently and conducted a survey of 30 park users. The students were really enthusiastic and interested in the changes that had taken place. They were able to join in with some of the riverside conservation work the day they were there too. The survey results show that park users are aware of the part the naturalised river plays in relieving flood danger to property (maybe not something much in our thoughts at this time of hose pipe bans!). It also shows that people overwhelmingly feel that the naturalisation of the river has brought benefits for wildlife and people as the park is a more attractive, welcoming space to visit.

A sunny Saturday

The fabulous weather has brought lots of people into the park, not just the dog walkers and footballers who are there come rain or shine, but families, joggers, walkers, groups of friends. People were enjoying a stop at the cafe and a sit in the sunshine or a paddle in the stream.

A spring in your step

I spotted these delicate crocuses in Chinbrook Meadows today. The daffodils that we planted some years ago are coming up too. Do you think they are earlier this year?

Grant success!

We have just heard that our application for £47,000 to the Lottery “Community Spaces” Fund has been successful.  The Community Spaces programme is managed by Groundwork UK as an Award Partner to the Big Lottery Fund. Community Spaces is part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces initiative. Our plans to install some really exciting equipment for teenagers in the park and add some fitness equipment for all age groups can go ahead. Groundwork London have really helped put together a design that will make the most of the play area and beyond. Now, with the help of Lewisham Council Green Scene, we can get tenders for the work. We hope to have everything up and running this summer with a launch event in August.

Siskins in the park?

Siskins have been seen in a garden in Amblecote Road this week so look out for them in the park