The Royal Institute of British Architects publication, Roaming Britain, explores how architects, planners and landowners can better serve these communities.
Peabody’s work with the Gypsy and Traveller community in Thamesmead is included as an example of a successful approach.
The book credits Peabody’s paddocks in Southmere Park as an inclusive and effective way of keeping Gypsy and Traveller horses safe and well. The fields – which members of the Gypsy and Traveller community use under a licence agreement – have reduced incidents of ‘fly-grazing’ in the town. This is when horses graze on public or private land without the landowner’s permission.
“It’s fantastic to see the work we’re doing in Thamesmead recognised in a prestigious RIBA publication,” said John Wilson, Peabody’s Traveller Liaison and Equine Officer. “The Southmere Park paddocks help local Gypsy and Traveller communities to preserve their customs and traditions, while residents love seeing the horses grazing.”
A copy of Roaming Britain is now available to read in The Nest Community Building and Library.
