Woodland Garden
This area was neglected and overgrown by cow parsley (see before photo) with only a few other species that could compete with this vigorous plant. The area being fenced off to prevent trampling provided the perfect opportunity to create a native woodland garden to increase the availability of flowers for pollinators.
With the help of Friends of Forster Memorial Park volunteers and Glendale the area was cleared and prepared for planting by school children and volunteers who planted close to 2000 bulbs, 500 plug plants and sow seeds. A few examples of the species planted: English bluebell, Hart’s tongue fern, wild garlic, wood anemone, wild daffodil, snowdrop, foxglove, Solomon’s seal, wild primrose, garlic mustard, wood avens, red campion, dog violet and Lords-and-ladies. Can you spot any of these species?
Some of the above species also feature on the new mural that was painted as part of the Rewild London project. A local street artist, Aspire, painted the mural on the container to brighten up the area and provide an educational element. Make sure to also read the verse from Benjamin Zephaniah’s (1958-2023) poem, Nature Trail, which is on the left side of the container.
Woodland garden area and container before the project.
This trail was created as part of the Ancient Woodland Restoration project delivered by Lewisham Council in partnership with the Friends of Forster Memorial Park in 2023-24. The aim of the project was to improve the park both for biodiversity and the local community.
The project was part of the second round of the Rewild London Fund supported by the Mayor of London, in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust.
