London Fields User Group

We discussed the Grant we got from the Greater London Authority and the fruit trees and wildflower seeds we would be planting with the money. We shall be planting the fruit trees on Thursday, March 15th between 12 noon and 2pm. We shall be meeting by the Broadway Market entrance. All are welcome to dig in. The council are providing all tools and equipment, but make sure you bring sturdy shoes.

The 11 fruit trees that were ordered will introduce local youngsters to edible fruits, not commonly found in the supermarket. They are the following: Apples; Queen Cox, James Grieve, Newton Wonder cooker. Nuts; Sweet Chestnut, Kent Cob Nut. Plum relatives; German Prune (Damson), Farleigh (Damson), Greengage (old gage). Cherries; Morello Cherry, May Duke Cherry, Cherokee Cherry.

We shall also be planting a selection of wildflower seeds along many grassy borders of the park, helped by children from the local junior schools on the week after. This is all in order to improve the general interest and biodiversity of our park.

The bad news about the Park Keepers Lodge was discussed at the meeting and how there was little we could do about it. Now there could be a possible alternative, we have had an enquiry from a caterer who would be interested in using the existing building, saving the council from demolishing it. They want to provide good, healthy, reasonably priced food, fresh juices, teas and coffees – no junk food – and possibly have a proper barbecue in the summer. We have informed the council and await their reply. I have invited the caterers to come along to our next meeting to make a presentation about it.

DOGS! Last year the council carried out a consultation, concerning the growing number of aggressive dogs in Hackney, some without leads and others in children’s play areas. They came along to one of our meetings and asked for our opinions. From the general replies throughout Hackney, the council have introduced 3 new by-laws; they are calling them the Dog Control Orders (DCOs):

1. An exclusion order to stop dogs entering children’s playgrounds, sport & games areas.

2. An on lead order, so that dogs must be on leads on roads, towpaths, car parks, churchyards, estates & small public parks and gardens under 1⁄2 a hectare.

3. Dog leads must be on when a council officer requests it, if a dog is not under control, causing damage or acting aggressively. While previous laws will be enforced, allowing council officers to fine anyone who does not pick up their dog’s mess. Sending out a strong message to dog owners not to allow dogs to cause problems for the community.

Save this date! The next LFUG meeting is Wednesday 28th March at 8pm downstairs in the new “Bears Den” in Pub On The Park, 30 Martello Street E8 3PE. You can get in touch with us through the Chair Mike Martin mobile 077 5283 3487 email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Or use our Facebook page where you can inform everyone of your delights and concerns with the park.

Jan 2012 Newsletter

NEW YEARS GREETINGS to all of you!

First the good news, we have actually received a grant from Team London, the Reuben Foundation and Mayor of London, for planting native Bluebells & Ramsons bulbs in the wooded area, wildflower meadow seeds along some of the edge strips and a small orchard on London Fields. These are all at present being ordered. We will be discussing the planting at our next meeting on 25/1/12 and shall be looking for lots of volunteers to do the planting. We will have more information for you by the meeting. This will help to make our park so much more interesting and increase the biodiversity.

Now the bad news. We have been informed that with the increasing government cutbacks to councils, that the Park Keepers Lodge proposals had been discussed and could no longer be afforded. They now confirm the Council’s intention in the next few weeks, to seek planning permission for the demolition of the redundant park keeper’s lodge. “The building is no longer required for the management of the park and the Council believes that it should take action before the building falls into further disrepair. You will be aware that the building has recently been re-secured after being occupied by squatters. It continues to be an eyesore to the park and represents a risk to local community safety” “Demolition of the existing building would not preclude the Council from considering a proposal funded from the community or a local business but this would also need common land approval.” I think that the fencing around the lodge could be kept for the moment, as it would be an ideal position for a mobile café, like the one in Clissold Park. London Fields could really do with a decent café like that, especially at the weekends and public holidays.

Now that we have a Facebook page our supporters and friends of the park can make reports of any concerns, suggestions, sightings of wildlife and generally keep in touch with other friends of London Fields. You can also invite your friends to join in. And if you have interesting pictures of sports, swimming, children at play and other interesting activities, send them to me to add to the picture album.

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Oct 2011 Newletter

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