Bombed out houses become outdoor classroom

Restoration works were able to take place thanks to a grant from Southwark Council's Cleaner Greener Safer programme, after local residents approached Walworth Community Council for a £25,000 grant.

Once the site of houses bombed out during the war, the nature area had become neglected over recent years, and had become subject to vandalism and flytipping.

With the grant, residents managed to restore the nature area, tackle the misuse of the site and bring it back into community use, especially as a valuable resource for local children and nearby Cobourg Primary School.

The improvements to this corner of Burgess Park will add to the overall revitalisation that the park is receiving with its multi-million pound upgrade.

Local residents Malini Mehra and Nick Mabey said: "This patch of land has gone from a fly-tipping site to an oasis of calm for the community and wildlife alike. When the resources are there it shows just how much can be accomplished by residents and the council working in partnership."

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council said: "It's fantastic that we can help local residents turn neglected pockets of the borough into areas that can provide stimulation for children and adults alike, and also help wildlife. Not only does this show how valuable our CGS scheme is, but it will add to the overall boost that the Burgess Park area is getting through its revitalisation programme."

Martin Seaton, chair of Walworth Community Council, said: "We were really happy to award this particular grant as it was clearly going to benefit the local school children and community. And it really shows what a difference the CGS scheme can make in turning round an unloved patch of the borough into something locals can be really proud of."

Further information

Nature area

Over the last few years Cobourg Road Nature Area had fallen into disrepair and been subject to vandalism, flytipping, rough sleeping and general neglect. This patch of land was once the site of houses bombed during the war and had become little more than a cut-through between Cobourg Road and Nile Terrace.  

CGS project

Local residents Malini Mehra and Nick Mabey who live nearby saw the potential for the area and applied to the Cleaner, Greener, Safer programme for funding to improve it. The site was awarded £25,000 from the 2009-10 programme to restore the nature area, tackle the misuse of the site and bring it back into community use - especially as a valuable resource for local children and nearby Cobourg Primary School.

Improvements

A new path has been laid, the pond reinstated, a stone pile built, and a mini-beast city and outdoor classroom have been installed. The restored nature area will now attract wildlife, serve as an outdoor classroom for Cobourg School, provide a safe walking route and enhance the quality of life of the local community.

Find out more on the council's CGS programme.

Burgess Park upgrade

The park was awarded £2million from the Mayor of London's Premier Park scheme in the spring of 2009, matched by £4m from the Aylesbury New Deal for Communities. Consultations are currently underway on the design of the improvements, and work is expected to start early 2011. For out more on the transformation.

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, with pupils and staff of Cobourg Primary School in the new nature area.