Judith Watling Lewisham Rivers

Rivers Trust Spring Conference!

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The Rivers Trust Conference: Springing into Action
15th – 16th March 2022 
Our Conference agenda is now ready to view! 
We’ll be looking at the biggest topics in the water sector right now, examining key pollution and river management issues. River recreation is also on the agenda, with vibrant panel discussions on rights and access. We’re even bringing some culture to proceedings with poetic recordings kindly provided by Poets for the Planet – so there really is something for everyone.

Registration is Free so please share widely with your networks – we look forward to your participation and questions! Follow the links below to view the agenda in full, and to register via Eventbrite.
   
View the conference agenda  
Register now  
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Judith Watling Lewisham Rivers

Lewisham has a new biodiversity action plan!

Local councillors have voted to endorse the plan, the ‘Natural Renaissance’ for Lewisham, which will aim to do the following….

Supporting the installation of more green roofs in Lewisham, which are roofs where vegetation has been planted to boost biodiversity.

Working with landlords and other landowners to help them transform urban areas to provide habitats for local wildlife.

Reconnecting people with rivers and highlighting how safe access to rivers and an improved river corridor can provide a range of health, safety and environmental benefits.

Delivering at least 60 nature conservation volunteer sessions and 30 guided walks per year

Delivering 500 educational events for 8,000 local children every year.

Working with community art groups to enhance urban locations, such as tunnels, with biodiversity inspired art murals.

Providing practical advice to local residents on how they can enhance their private gardens and local areas to boost biodiversity.

To read more, follow this link:

https://lewisham.gov.uk/articles/news/creating-a-greener-lewisham-new-biodiversity-action-plan-endorsed

Judith Watling Lewisham Rivers

Stumps Hill pond at Beckenham Place Park gets some weevils!

A water fern called Azolla, originally from America has been spreading in the British Isles in recent years and has established itself in the pond at Beckenham Place Park. It is spread by wildfowl and spore dispersal and can quickly take over a pond, swamping the native vegetation and wildlife. It can develop a floating mat 30cm thick, which shades the sunlight from the water and chokes the pond. To control this invasive weed, weevils have been introduced into the pond that eat the Azolla. This should keep it under control and prevent it from taking over the pond. This is a safe natural way to control the weed without using harsh chemicals. To watch the video about the project, click the link below!

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Judith Watling Lewisham Rivers

World Wetlands Day with the Wildlife Trust

World Wetlands Day with Walthamstow Wetlands

Below are details of the Wildlife Trusts Wetland Day on the 2nd February, which is being hosted online over zoom:

The events are:
10:00 – Come and join guest speaker Ian Crump, Biodiversity Field Officer for Thames Water, for a talk about freshwater habitats, their management, uses as vital sources of supply and habitats for a wide range of species, to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2021
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2021-02-02-world-wetlands-day-freshwater-its-importance-people-and-wildlife-ian-crump

12:30 – Join Walthamstow Wetlands visitor engagement ranger, Pete, to explore the types of wetland around the world, the life they support, the ecosystem services they provide and why they are worth protecting and restoring.
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2021-02-02-world-wetlands-day-wetlands-world-pete-salter

15:00 – Join patch birder and volunteer, Daniel Whitelegg, to get an inside peek of the reserves seasonal comings and goings. Learn how important the reservoirs are for over 140 species and why they choose to spend their lives here. From the glamourous bearded tit to the ubiquitous but overlooked greylag goose. 
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2021-02-02-world-wetlands-day-birds-eye-view-wetlands-daniel-whitelegg

Click the links to sign up!