Eaglesfield park is situated on the Greenwich part of Shooters Hill, at the summit, and is the highest open space in the borough. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy extensive views into Kent, including the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford. The Green Chain Walk runs through the site
The park is divided by Eaglesfield Road. The lower half is managed with conservation in mind whilst the upper half has grassland, a children’s playground and an ecological pond which was restored in 2011. The funding for the restoration was obtained by the park’s friends group.
Madeleine Kennedy from the Friends of Eaglesfield Park reports:
For those who haven’t caught up with news via our blog at http://eaglesfieldpark.org/ I thought I would summarise what the Friends have been doing at Eaglesfield Park.
Monthly Maintenance of Wildlife Pond and Meadow/Pond Dipping
Due to rain we had to cancel four out of five maintenance sessions (March to July). The “ abundant” rain (plus the inherited top soil) means the meadow area surrounding the pond has been taken over by grass, which provides little opportunity for the appearance of wildflowers. However perhaps the seeds we planted will survive and emerge next year ? It is really important that the grass, brambles, docks, nettles and pond vegetation are controlled to enable the wild flowers to establish. We do have a plan of action which will include thoroughly digging/weeding specific areas of the meadow, thinning the pond margins, planting pot grown wildflowers, planting native Spring bulbs, re-seeding with wildflowers and planting plug plants/seed of yellow rattle! All this work will need to be completed by November. It would be disastrous to see the pond and meadow revert to the days of pre-restoration. Can you help us ? Whatever time you can spare will be greatly appreciated.
Picnic in the Park
As part of the Parksfest 2015 celebrations Friends of Eaglesfield Park invited everyone to Eaglesfield Park on Sunday 12th July between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm to relax to the sunny music of Brazilian/ Latin band ‘Roots BR’ and watch a display of Tai Chi with Chew-Yeen Lawes – and maybe even learn a few moves! Weather-wise we were very lucky. Although a bit windy with a threat of rain, for the most part it was sunny and a great day for a picnic, relaxing music and an opportunity to watch a demonstration of Tai Chi against the backdrop of views of Kent and Essex.
Green Flag Award
Eaglesfield Park has again achieved Green Flag status. The environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy awarded Eaglesfield Park the Green Flag which recognises and rewards the best parks and open spaces across the country. Eaglesfield Park first received the Green Flag Award in 2013. The Friends of Eaglesfield Park are very proud to receive the award for the year 2015/16. Eaglesfield Park is unique, offering outstanding views across Kent, children’s playground, picnic areas, a wildlife meadow, unrestricted access, opportunities for community activities, wildlife pond with surrounding meadow, pond dipping, grassed areas for family activities or quiet corners for peaceful contemplation. It is much loved by local residents and visitors. We look forward to future successful years.
Best wishes, Madeleine Kennedy, Friends of Eaglesfield Park
email: foepshootershill@aol.co.uk
Hi Everyone at Bexley Wildlife. Thank you so much for your post. I very much enjoyed catching up with all the news in your blog. The boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich are very fortunate to have so many open spaces, parks and woodlands. Let’s all get out there and enjoy them and be part of their continued future !