Mother goose, dad and their goslings decided to leave their life at The Slade, on Plumstead Common, for a move to Gallions Park in Whinchat Road.
The parents were perhaps enticed by the prospect of their little ones enjoying the refurbished ball court and multi-use games area, which will be reopening soon. Alternatively, they may be queuing early for the Summer in the Park family fun event, which will be held in Gallions Park on Saturday 27 June.
The geese were initially escorted back to the pond at The Slade by volunteers from the Greenwich Wildlife Network but, determined to start a new life in Thamesmead, immediately set off again.
After leaving Plumstead Common for the second time, the geese were spotted journeying north on Lakedale Road and then White Hart Road.
Eyewitness Cliff Mann spotted the gaggle negotiating the one-way system at Plumstead Bus Garage, then recorded a video as they continued their journey up Goldfinch Road.
“Somehow they managed to navigate the one way system at Plumstead Bus Garage, dodge the traffic and make their way towards the lake!” said Cliff.
He added: “Amazingly, the busy traffic at the one-way system – in spite of some irate drivers that were not aware of what was happening – managed to stop and allow them safe passage.”
At the end of their epic adventure, the geese made it safely to the lake in Gallions Park. The 1.5-mile journey takes around 30 minutes for a human – and longer on tiny, webbed feet.
“They miraculously made it to water in Thamesmead, so all sorted!” said Rae Gellel, from the Greenwich Wildlife Network. “A bit offended they prefer it to Plumstead!”
The geese have plenty of things to enjoy in their new home. Recent improvements made to Gallions Park by Peabody and Thames21 include a new wildflower meadow and a wetland area.
As well as being able to enjoy Thamesmead's remarkable landscape, there is more good news for the family. Their new home will ultimately put them within easy reach of the new Thamesmead DLR station, giving them more transport options for future voyages.
