Wrapped by 5km of riverbank, Thamesmead has 30,000 trees, 7km of canals, six major lakes, three nature reserves and over 350 acres of open space.
Its unique landscape has been shaped by arms-testing from as far back as Henry VIII. From Lesnes Abbey woods in the south you can take in Canary Wharf and London’s thriving City, and from Gallions Reach in the north down the Thames towards the Royal Docks and beyond.
Much of Thamesmead’s green land is relatively untouched, and wildflowers and woodland have been left to flourish. These areas are teeming with wildlife and birds. Kingfishers, partridges, hares, foxes, and cuckoos have all been seen here.
Crossness Nature Reserve
Crossness Nature Reserve covers 50 hectares and incorporates some of the last remaining grazing marshes in Greater London. Its wetlands are perfect for wildlife, from barn owls to kestrels to wading birds. Part of the site is open permanently, and the rest can be seen on specific events from bat walks to bird watching. Get involved through the Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve.
Tump 53
Tump 53 is a highly valued community space that connects children, young people and the wider community with nature and the environment; Tump 53 is a nature reserve situated in the Moorings Neighbourhood, Thamesmead.
Gallions Reach
Gallions Reach Park is a new park created from land left vacant from the former Royal Arsenal. The park was opened by Peabody in January 2017, offering a new natural habitat environment with wildflower meadows and 800 new trees including black poplar, white poplar, hornbeam, silver birch, ash and Turkey oak.
South Thamesmead's Public Spaces
(Improvements to the spaces around Parkview and Southmere)
The Last couple of years we prepared a strategy making suggestions about some high-level proposals to improving courtyards, parking spaces and pedestrian routes with improved paving, planting, lighting and play facilities. This would make areas feel more safe and welcoming and provide nicer outdoors spaces for you to enjoy.
We then decided to try some of these ideas out, and to trial projects so that we could get your feedback – These were:
Trial projects still to be delivered are:
The idea with trial projects is to see the proposals first-hand and tell us what you like and don’t like and why. Your feedback has been well received and will be fed into the detailed design process for the wider improvements to public spaces.