
With local campaigner Mo Burgess, I met the Chair of the Friends of Shrewsbury Park this morning. She and her gorgeous dog, Pogue, took us on a wonderful 45 minute walk through the ancient woodland, meadows and open parkland, pointing out the many natural attributes - and the stunning views.
I'm a huge fan of the Friends of the Parks groups. They do a tremendous job and help to make Greenwich one of the greenest and most attractive boroughs anywhere in London. If you have yet to visit this outstanding site, minutes from the hustle and
bustle of Eltham, get your walking shoes on! All I ask is that you take any litter home with you or put it in the many bins provided. And be a responsible dog owner.
I had the pleasure of visiting Woodlands Farm this afternoon, and meeting some of the people who help keep this working farm open as one of the most popular local attractions. After various threats from development, the 200 year old farm was saved in 1997 when it became a charitable trust. Now, the 89 acres, including ancient woodland, balances agriculture and conservation with being an educational community project.
I was accompanied by Maureen Burgess, one of the Shooters Hill Conservative team and a local resident. We enjoyed our tour, saw a very energetic group of youngsters competing in an orienteering exercise, and patted the pot bellied pigs! But most importantly, I put my name down for a half lamb for the freezer...the farm relies on selling produce to fund its work, as it relies entirely on raising its own funds and constantly applying for grants.
If you haven't yet visited, please go. You'll receive a warm welcome, see a lot of animals and wildlife, and possibly learn something. And worth remembering, they keep bees so the honey will soon be available - I am told they expect it to be in jars towards the end of August! I plan to return with my godchildren.