Environmental improvement projects

Community daffodil bulb planting every year since 2018.

Protected wildflower area in the center of the lawn, sown with wildflower seeds and grass thinned out.

Every summer since 2021 the lawn is left unmowed during summer for "No Mow May" to improve biodiversity.

5 new trees planted on this lawn. (Sweet chestnut, birch, wild cherry, Japanese cherry, lime.) 2 trees (whitebeam) have been removed since 2010.

Unsightly and unsafe shrubbery removed from raised bed.

7 hawthorn trees planted in hedge.

As part of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020, the Sakura Project donated 1000s of cherry trees for public parks and community projects across the UK, to celebrate friendship and cooperation between the UK and Japan. In Nov 2020 we planted 7 trees along the pedestrian path on the Ancill Close / Everington Street corner: 3 Tai-haku "Great White", 3 pink-flowered Beni-Yutaka, and 1 Yedoensis, which has edible cherries enjoyed by birds. Photo gallery.

One more wild cherry tree planted along Everington Street.

Peace garden

2019-2020 (NIF bid 2019)

In partnership with LBHF Council Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, in June 2019 we tidied up this litter-strewn corner and installed a new fence. 3 birch trees were planted to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. Photo gallery 

During winter 2020, 4 hydrangea shrubs were added, and a small rowan tree (donated by the Woodland Trust.)

During February and March 2021, volunteers from the estate cleared the weeds and ivy from the east and west sides of the sports area. These borders have been a neglected eye-sore for years.

On 17 April volunteers came together to plant a lavender hedge on both sides, thanks to a generous donation of 140 plants from Idverde, as well as a rose and 2 clematis. The lavender will look attractive for years with relatively little maintenance, while also providing food for bees and other insects. Photo gallery

In 2021 we helped the Bayonne Nursery School plant 2 trees in the border: a wild cherry and a rowan.

In 2023 we planted 2 more trees: a birch and a wild cherry.

Volunteer gardeners also continue to improve the ornamental planting along the sunken court walls, with sedum, campanula, marigolds, wild strawberries, and aubrieta.

Renovated playground

2021 (PERP bid 2020)

The playground on Crefeld Close, originally created through the efforts of the late Rene Davis, had for years been unusable due to the deterioration of the rubber surfacing and old play equipment.

Thanks to an LBHF Council Place Environmental Rejuvenation Programme bid, the playground was completely renewed in Spring 2021 by Idverde, with new rubber surfacing, 7 play activities, and new biodiverse planting. Photo gallery

2 amelanchier trees planted.

The nearby raised bed was planted with geraniums.

New pirate playground

2021 (PERP bid 2020)

In Summer 2021 a barren corner of Lampeter Square was transformed into a colourful new pirate-themed playground for under-12s, thanks to an LBHF Council Place Environmental Rejuvenation Programme bid, in partnership with Idverde.

All residents will benefit from the removal of a neglected eyesore and a space that previously encouraged anti-social behaviour. Families will gain a place nearby for their children to play. Users of the playground – both children and carers – will meet one another and socialise, contributing to community cohesion and neighbourliness. Photo gallery

Paynes Walk corner

2021-2023

Volunteers have been weeding and planting this corner, and pruning the hedges:

• 1 yellow tree peony

• 1 Viburnum opulus

• 2 Hydrangea paniculata

• 1 Cornus sanguinea

• 5+ arum lillies

• 3 artichokes

• Wild sunflowers

• Hollyhocks

• Comfrey

• Poppies

New community garden

2023 (HEIP bid 2019)

After a lengthy consultation period, work has started on a new garden on a previously empty paved site next to Wentworth Court sheltered housing. 

As part of the work, the high spike-topped wall alongside Paynes Walk is being removed and replaced by a 1.8m fence (the same as the fence along the other side of the space.) This will improve sightlines and visibility around the general area, improving safety, as recommended by the Crime Prevention Design Adviser at the Met Police.

The garden will remain a locked space, with keyholder access only to Wentworth Court residents and volunteer gardeners.