| Hackney Parks Newsletter September 2011 Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Consultation |
| The Hackney BAP is out for public consultation until 24 October 2011. Produced by the Hackney Biodiversity Partnership, the action plan is a strategic document bringing together our planned activities to protect and enhance our local wildlife. We really want your views - whether you support the proposals or would like to see changes. All of the information is online at http://www.hackney.gov.uk/biodiversity-consultation.htm. Please contact kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk if you have any queries or would like to arrange a presentation about the BAP for your group |
| iSpot Workshops |
| Hackney Council are working with iSpot to arrange free wildlife workshops for target groups in Hackney. iSpot is a website (www.ispot.org.uk) aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature. People can upload photos of wildlife and get help from others to identify the species, you can also help others by adding an identification to their observations. iSpot are particularly keen to work with black and minority ethnic groups and young people or adults with mental or physical disabilities. Please contact kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk if you'd like to find out more |
| Sporting opportunity |
| The Youth Sport Fund a small grant scheme which encourages the participation and delivery of sporting opportunities in Hackney. The scheme is open to young athletes, clubs and coaches and awards funds from £50 to £1000 to help develop sport within the borough. Applications are accepted four times a year, the next application deadline is 30 September. For more information and to download an application form see www.hackney.gov.uk/c-sports-grants |
| Walking |
| There are numerous walking opportunities in Hackney, however if you would like some company on your walks then why not check out www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk/walkfinder-map/London which lists a number of guided health walks in Hackney and across London |
| Springfield Park Glass House |
| The planning application for the redevelopment of the Springfield Park glass house has been submitted and can be viewed by clicking here or searching for its reference number 2011/1534 on the the Hackney planning portal. Plans entail replacing the glass house with a slightly smaller structure, which will include a winter garden as well as beds for food growing and horticultural use. More information can be found on the Springfield Park web page. |
| Free Parks Conference |
| Friends and community groups across the UK who are passionate about their parks and open spaces are invited to attend the first ever 'grass-roots' national conference organised by the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS). |
| This free one-day conference, which will take place on World Parks Day, 17 September, will focus on discussing and debating key issues such as health benefits of green spaces, nature and biodiversity and finding funding for your green space, amongst other topical subjects. Delegates who attend will be able to share and hear about best practice, network with other groups and walk away with some new knowledge and skills. For more information see www.green-space.org.uk/community/nfpgs |
| Who will design Europe's biggest new urban park? |
| The Olympic Legacy Corporation has launched a competition to design the largest new urban park in Europe. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will surround the new Olympic stadia and will be designed to complement the new facilities. For more information on the design brief see www.malcolmreading.co.uk/architecturalcompetitions/legacycompany/ |
| Community Orchard Damage |
| A report from the Butterfield Green user group. |
| In July, a huge amount of damage was caused to the largest orchard trees in Butterfield Green by young men breaking their branches. The user group have cut off the damaged branches - in one case this meant every branch on the tree. The trees look very sad at the moment, but we expect them to regenerate, as they were basically very healthy. Russell Miller from the Tree Musketeers kindly advised the user group and led the pruning session. |
| In more positive news the community orchard at Butterfield Green has been included as a case study in a new report produced by the department of Communities and Local Government. The report is available to download here |
| Millfields Bat walk |
| Some Hackney residents met on Friday 29 July for a bat walk. The walk was led by London bat expert Alison Fure, who provided the 20 adults and 4 children with bat detectors and explained how to spot the nocturnal creatures. |
| Of the 17 different species of bat known to breed in the UK, we have records of nine of these in Hackney. All species of bat are legally protected because their numbers have declined over the last century. Alison identified three species of bat in and around Millfields - common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and Daubenton's bat. These bats probably make their homes in the large trees in the park or in surrounding buildings. Common pipistrelles are only 4cm long and weigh as little as 3 grams (about the same as a 1 penny piece), but they can eat an amazing 3,000 insects in a single night. The Council is planning to make further improvements to Millfields to make it even more bat friendly. This will hopefully include leaving more areas of long grass to encourage insects - the bat's favourite food! We will also work with our neighbours to try and reduce light spill on to the River Lea, which can disturb bats |
| London Fields MUGA |
| Construction work is due to commence in September on the new multi use games area in London Fields. The new sporting space will be located roughly in the centre of the park near the toilet block. The construction will be completed in October and will be accompanied by some horticultural works in the future. For more information contact bruce.irving@hackney.gov.uk |
| Dates for Diaries |
| Tuesday 6 September, 6.15 - 7.30pm |
| Heritage Walk at East Reservoir |
| Free walk to find out about the local history around one of Hackney's most valuable nature sites. Places are limited so please book by emailing dmooney@wildlondon.org.uk. Meet at East Reservoir Community Garden, 1 Newnton Close N4 2RH. |
| Tuesday 6 September, 12 noon - 3pm |
| Volunteer sessions at the Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden at Hackney Marshes every Tuesday afternoon and every Friday morning from 9am to 12pm. More information at http://www.hmug.org.uk/ |
| Wednesday 7 September, 10am -12 noon |
| Millfields Park Play Bus Sessions |
| The sessions are held every Wednesday next to the play area and are for local parents and carers with children aged 0 - 4 years old |
| Thursday 8 September |
| Kynaston gardens User Group Meeting |
| If you live in or near Stoke Newington, why not get involved with the Kynaston Gardens User Group and help them progress with the transformation of this small but highly valued greenspace. For more information on the user group meeting contact kynastongardens@gmail.com/td> |
| Wednesday 7 September, 10 - 4pm |
| London Wildlife Trust Volunteering |
| LWT run practical conservation volunteering sessions every Wednesday, 10am -4pm across Hackney. Volunteers will gain practical skills in gardening, wildlife identification, reserve wardening and habitat management. |
| Thursday 8 September, 10-1pm |
| Robin Hood Community Garden Work Day |
| Why not lend a hand at Robin Hood Community Garden For more information, or to get involved contact rhugroup@gmail.com or pop along to one of the weekly work days from 10am -1pm every Thursday and Sunday. Check out their website if you need some inspiration to attend, http://robinhoodgarden.wordpress.com/ |
| Saturday 10 September, 10-4pm |
| St Johns Home Made Market |
| This new weekly market will be taking up residence in the grounds of St John's Churchyard in Hackney Central, between Mare Street and Lower Clapton Road. For more information see http://www.hackneyhomemade.com/?page_id=8 |
| Saturday 10 September, 11am-12noon |
| Clissold Park User Group Meeting |
| Come along and hear about the latest developments regarding the development of Clissold House and Park, meet at St Mary's Church |
| Sunday 11 September, 11am - 12 noon |
| The monthly tea and optional litter pick takes place in Clapton Square, come along to meet your neighbours and discuss all issues related to the square |
| Sunday 11 September, 2 - 5pm |
| Butterfield Green Work Day |
| Come and lend a hand to the Butterfield Green User Group and help them maintain this brilliant community park. For more information contact butterfieldgreen@googlemail.com or see www.shakespeareresidents.org.uk |
| Monday 12 September 7-9pm |
| Hackney Parks Forum |
| An open forum for all parks users/groups to get together and discuss all issues related to Hackney's green spaces. Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmith's Row, E2 8QA. For more information contact hackneyparksforum@googlemail.com/td> |
| Monday 12 September, 6 - 8pm |
| Pan London Parks & Green Spaces Forum |
| All are welcome to attend the City Hall SE1 2AA Cmte Rm 4. For more information contact Alexandra.Rook@london.gov.uk or see www.green-space.org.uk/lpgsf/ |
| Thursday 15 September |
| Stoke Newington Common User Group Meeting |
| All are welcome to attend and discuss issues related to the common. More information at www.stokenewingtoncommon.co.uk |
| Saturday 17 September, 3pm |
| Millfields user Group Meeting |
| An open meeting for everyone interested in Millfields, all are welcome to attend. Contact secretary@millfieldsusers.org.uk for details |
| Saturday & Sunday 17/18 September, 12pm - 6pm |
| The Hackney Wick Festival |
| See the summer out with a bang at the fourth annual Hackney Wick Festival! A once-a-year opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy great music, dance, theatre, art, food and much more, in the most exciting and dynamic part of the East End. Age group: All ages. Contact: Tracie. Email: tracietrimmer@hotmail.com |
| Sunday 18 September, 1 - 530pm |
| Stoke Newington Common Funday |
| This year's event will include music, dancing, art and other activities for children; Albion Kids Show; food, stalls, Tug o' war and of course the ever popular sock wrestling more info at www.stokenewingtoncommon.co.uk . |
| Sunday 18 September, 10am - 5pm |
| Growing Communities' Site Open Day |
| A chance to visit Growing Communities' urban growing sites in Clissold Park, Springfield Park and Allens Gardens and find out where and how we grow the award-winning salad for our veg box scheme. Their eco-classroom in Allens Gardens will be open as part of architectural event Open House London. Allens Gardens is located at the corner of Manor Road and Bethune Road, London N16 5BD. For more information contact Kerry Rankine at kerry.rankine@growingcommunities.org or 020 75027588 |
| Sunday 18 September, 12 - 2.30pm |
| Hackney One Carnival |
| Hackney One Carnival will start at Ridley Road Market at 12 noon and parade to Stoke Newington Church Street. Why not come along and enjoy an afternoon of energetic dance and uplifting music and watch as the carnival groups showcase their spectacular costumes. |
| Saturday 24th September |
| Film on the Green 3 |
| Showing of a short and feature film for families outside at Butterfield Green. |
| See website for more information www.shakespeareresidents.org.uk/td> |
| Sunday 25 September, 10am |
| East Bank West Bank Nature Reserve Bird Walk |
| Its Sunday, why not pop along to the intersection of West Bank and Dunsmure Road N16, and go on a short bird walk at the nature reserve, all are welcome |
| Sunday 29 September, 7pm |
| Clapton Square AGM |
| All are welcome to attend, for more details contact sarah@einsteinsoctopus.co.uk |
| Sunday 2 October, 11am-12 noon. |
| The monthly tea and optional litter pick takes place in Clapton Square, come along to meet your neighbours and discuss all issues related to the square |
| Tuesday 11 October |
| Hackney Biodiversity Partnership |
| An open meeting to discuss any biodiversity related issues in the borough, all are welcome to attend, see www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-biodiversity-partnership.htm for more information or contact kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk . |