Saturday 16th March 2013 was a rain sodden and windy continuation of winter, but it did not deter hardy volunteers completing the restoration of the wetland area at Foots Cray Meadows. The 6^th Sidcup Scouts joined in to help the Friends of Foot Cray Meadows and Thames21 with the planting of native marginal wetland plants at the restored inlet of the River Cray.  

Michael Heath Chair of the Friends and Thames21 Project Officer for the River Cray said

'This was the site of one of our first activities the wooden bridge was dry and overgrown and had long ceased to be wetland. It has been an aspiration of the Friends to return this area to a wetland habitat to add to the biodiversity and visitor experience of the Meadows'.

To achieve this support and consent was obtained from the London Borough of Bexley and the Environment Agency who recognised the value of the project and arranged for the inlet to be dug out last year. This was followed by a series of events organised by the Friends and Thames21 involving local schools, youth groups and our regular volunteers during which the banks have been repaired, wooden fencing added to the North side, The footfall to the bridge has been repaired and a nearby ditch restored.

The introduction of these plants is to encourage the reestablishment of native flora which should allow for this small site to develop into a thriving wetland habitat. Planted was a selection from Brooklime, Devils Bit Scabious, Gipsywort, Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil, Lesser Spearwort, Marsh Marigold, Marsh Valerian, Meadowsweet, Pendulous Sedge, Purple Loosestrife, Sneezewort, Water Forgetmenot, Yellow Flag Iris

Hopefully visitors crossing the wooden bridge will soon notice a variety of wild flowers and plants enhancing the habitat and visitor experience. 

 Ash Dieback

Find out more London Wildlife Trust  http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/News/ash-dieback-alert 

Woodland Trust http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/Pages/default.aspx#.UJTip4gm9NQ

The phone app to help http://ashtag.org/

3 Novemeber 2012

Success for Foots Cray Meadows and London Borough of Bexley in the London in Bloom 2012 Awards. For Full details go to

http://www.bexley.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=14592

Fun Dog Show - our second fun dog show was held on Saturday 23rd June proving to be a successful and enjoyble Day for all those who attended Click here for the full results                          

The Happiest Family Winners with our Guest Judge Rob Alleyn

 

 

 

Over 150 people attended with 78 Dogs being entered in the fun categories.

 

Bexley Environmental Challenge 2011 - Winners

The Friends of Foots Cray Meadows celebrate success at the Bexley Environmental Challenge awards evening for 2011 held on the 11^thJanuary , We were able to parade the Cup at our Winter Walk on Sunday 15^thJanuary. Over forty members and supporters of the Friends turned up to enjoy a seasonal but sunny walk through the Ancient Woods on the Meadows.

The Friends received a Gold Award in the Green Projects Category and £50. And then went on to be Awarded First Place in the Challenge, and £1000

Pictured; receiving First Prize and members with the Trophy before the walk.

Michael Heath the chair said, 'we were absolutely thrilled to receive these awards which recognises the volunteer teamwork of the committee and members since the group was formed six years ago; we are an interest group that works with Bexley's parks team to get communities actively involved in the management of the Meadows.'

The application to grant a premises licence was refused by Bexley's Licensing Sub Committee on Wednesday 26^thOctober 2011

'The Friends have always observed that the Meadows are not suitable for large scale entertainment events and the decision supports this aspect of the application. We have confidence in the Parks team's management and control of all events on the Meadows. The Friends work with the council and other organisations to bring volunteer opportunities to enhance the environment, here and elsewhere in Bexley'.

Michael Heath Chair FFCM