Works are continuing at a pace to enhance the east side of Beckenham Place Park.

Excavations

Following a very wet winter, the excavations of large volumes of earth to create the new sunken meadows, new pond, areas of mounding and new access points to the Ravensbourne River are close to being complete. Water that settled in the area of excavation has now drained away, following the connection of the sunken meadows back to the river. Seeding of grass and wildflower meadows in large parts of the sunken meadows will commence shortly, with a few smaller areas being left for seeding in the autumn. The newly excavated shallow nature pond at the south of the area of excavation has been drained of excess water and the pond’s outlet to the river has been created.

New planting and Riverside scrapes

Across the site extensive planting of new trees and shrubs, seeding of grass and wildflower meadows has started. Several new openings alongside the river have been created, bringing light, views and access to the river and enriching the ecology of the river corridor.

Paths, play and activity features

The fantastic new playground is close to completion, with most play features installed and final surfacing and planting ongoing. An additional large-scale focal point climbing tower will shortly be in place. A new bridge will be installed in the next few months to reconnect the paths where the Ravensbourne River flows through. The material from the demolished dilapidated changing block has been crushed and reused on site as a base for new paths and the new multi-use games area in this part of the park.

The tree-lined entry to the park from Old Bromley Road is taking shape and across the site the creation of new and improved paths is close to completion.

Gym activity equipment has been installed and new benches and picnic tables are in place across the site.

Work will commence shortly to construct mountain bike trails through an area of new mounding just to the east of the railway line.

Gardens in Old Bromley Road

New rain gardens on Old Bromley Road and street gardens have now been planted with the help of local volunteers. Further streetside rain gardens along Old Bromley Road are to follow as part of a wider aim to better link the park to surrounding areas outside of the park.

Getting to know your river in the park

Environmental charity Thames21 will continue through the summer until September 2024 with their river-related engagement and volunteering activities in the Ravensbourne River, and on the riverbanks as part of the programme of works to enhance the park.

Thames21 offer family-friendly river activities and free river event training. Please visit Thames21 website to read about the opportunities for all to enjoy. Sign up to the mailing list to be the first to receive direct updates and links to register for free river-related events. Contact Beckenham Place Park Community Engagement Officer, Catriona Ross, by email BPPRiver@thames21.org.uk or call 077439 27796 with any questions.

Read all about it!

All updates about the works on the east side of the park can be found here.

With thanks to…