Beckenham Place Park River Improvements with Thames21
As part of the major restoration that has taken place over the last year in Beckenham Place Park (BPP) East, environmental charity Thames21 has been working with Lewisham Council to create and deliver a programme of activities that explore, improve and care for the River Ravensbourne which flows through this side of the park.
Hundreds of local people have participated in Thames21’s riverside events and volunteering sessions. The project will continue this winter led by Thames21 Restoration Team, working to restore and improve the natural river processes, through two weekly hands-on river restoration sessions, which will be held until the improvements are complete.
If you live locally and can volunteer a few hours a week why not join us and make a positive environmental change in the River Ravensbourne? The sessions are free, specialised kit and equipment is provided as is and tea, coffee and biscuits. No experience is necessary.
The next sessions are Wednesday 6th and Friday 8th November with new dates announced soon. Sign up now by visiting Thames21’s booking platform here
If you would like to join our group of local volunteers at the Thames21 but have some questions first, please contact Catriona by email BPPRiver@Thames21.org.uk or call 077439 27796.
Free training
We are offering local residents free NCFE accredited training on our flagship course Leading Action for Healthy Rivers, which will qualify you to organise your own river events, empowering you to work with the local community to care for the River Ravensbourne. Our second two-day course will take place this winter and is open to everyone.
Sign up
Opportunities will continue through the Downham River Action Group to help coordinate and deliver additional project activities, maintenance and post project stewardship of the site supporting the Lead Ranger.
If you would like to join our volunteering mailing list or have any questions regarding the opportunities in this article, please contact Catriona by email BPPRiver@thames21.org.uk or phone 077439 27796.
More about the project
Thames21's river improvements project to restore connections to Blue-Green Space for the local communities in Downham and Bellingham, through the volunteer’s programme is to help people engage and reconnect with their improved park and provide free opportunities to learn about their river environment and climate resilience through the flood alleviation scheme
The two-phase project is nearing completion, with the first phase of community engagement resulting in the River Ravensbourne Festival on Saturday 21st September.
The project is in its second phase; implementing identified enhancements to the river channel which runs through 900 meters of the park, to improve its health and enrich the surrounding vegetation and habitats. The works include repairs to the riverbank which has become heavily eroded in some areas due to the impact of human and dog use when accessing the water.
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Any other queries
If you have questions relating directly to the park improvements, please email Project Manager adam.platts@lewisham.gov.uk.
