jay66

Hello, as far as I know, yes. I think a young child would not find it a suitable activity but a teenager would and octogenarians too!

The Campaign to Protect Rural England have launched a project called Hedgerow Heroes and are offering a free hedge laying course in Dog Kennel Hill Open Space (next to DKH Sainsburys). This traditional and ancient technique involves cutting into the hedge plants and laying them down so that they sprout from the base and create a much thicker and healthier hedge. You can watch a video from 1942 on Youtube. The project is all about creating healthy hedges for habitat. We have an expert hedge-layer, Robert Cole, who will train up a group of people in the art of hedge laying. Dates are all in March: 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 22. You need to reserve a ticket on eventbrite (links below). The times are 10am - 3pm and you don't need to come to all 6 sessions, though you'll learn more if you do. Tasks include clearing undergrowth so the hedge gets light at the base, harvesting stakes from the woods (we will be carefully choosing branches and stems of trees that we can use and that will not adversely affect the tree), pleaching (i.e. cutting into the hedge stems), thinning, weaving and tying in. Reserve your tickets here: 16th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852798351827?aff=oddtdtcreator 18th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852806847237?aff=oddtdtcreator 19th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852808000687?aff=oddtdtcreator 20th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852814600427?aff=oddtdtcreator 21st: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852818241317?aff=oddtdtcreator 22nd: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgerow-heroes-at-dog-kennel-hill-open-space-tickets-852819846117?aff=oddtdtcreator

I searched and couldn't find one. There's a separate thread about the plans to build flats on the other side, where the build centre currently is, but can't find anything about this particular plan to build on the area currently covered in trees.

There's a planning application accepting comments until 20th December on Southwark's planning portal. The application number is 23/AP/2780 and the link to information is here: https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=S1WQPYKBJ4500 This is a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) ref number SoBII02 and also BOL (Borough Open Land). Part of this greenery by East Dulwich train station has already been built upon when Featherstone Mews was created. Would be a shame for another local green space to be built upon. Even though it is small and currently inaccessible, it's these parcels of land that form a mosaic of habitats for wildlife that are really important for biodiversity. As council documents state: Comments can be made here: https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=S1WQPYKBJ4500

There's a new planning application on Southwark's portal seeking to remove the protective covenants that were put in place in 1990 to prevent the current DHFC stadium being used for anything other than leisure, recreation or education. In order to build 219 flats on the stadium they need to remove this clause. They also need to block access to the Green Dale astro turf so the public can't go there whilst they are bulldozing it and building the new stadium. Comments accepted until 23rd march so don't delay: https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RQ696ZKB00300 Full version of the Section 106 agreement from 1990 here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Ht_hAPixkZZVpjR1pKV0VMcUU/view?resourcekey=0-rgwkAhylmVKbAYlMoG_puQ (admin note: merged with the other thread about this subject)

The judicial review was dismissed.

Judicial Review was heard in the Royal Courts of Justice before a High Court judge on 6th Dec. No decision yet.

Not sure how in the loop everyone is about the planning application to build on the Green Dale astro but Southwark Council are being taken to the High Court as a Judicial Review (JR). The grounds are as follows: (1) A mistake of fact regarding open space deficiency; (2) A failure to properly apply the policies in respect of Other Open Space; (3) A failure to apply the policies in respect of play and informal recreation; and (4) A failure to discharge the public sector equality duty. The hearing is next week - 6th and 7th December 2022. @GreendaleAstro [email protected]

Yes it's the small park next to the adventure playground, near Sainsburys.

It's that time of year when up and down the country people get dressed up, drink cider and sing to the trees! Yes, around twelfth night it's time to Wassail the fruit trees in the hope that they give us a bountiful harvest later in the year. Come and wassail the orchard in Dog Kennel Hill Open Space at 2pm on Sunday 16th January. We will have our very own Green Man to lead us. Bring cider or apple juice and something to bang or blow to make lots of noise. There will be some jacket potatoes afterwards by the picnic benches. Wrap up warm!

The letter, which only a handful of seemingly random people received, says the consultation is open until sat 14th March. DHFC are saying it closes on 12th March ie thursday... so get your comments in asap!

Another worrying angle that makes the fans roll their eyes is that the proposed 3G pitch is made up of tons of plastic grass (that cannot be recycled) and tons of used, ground-up rubber tyres. There's a lot of concern in the Netherlands about 3G pitches as they installed so many and are now trying to work out how to remove them. The updated documents from Meadow and DHFC say that they will replace the pitch every 10 years! That's a lot of plastic. And all of this right next to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation where endangered species live. Plus schoolkids being offered the use of the plastic pitch. No matter how much eye-rolling this induces, it needs to be talked about. Further reading: https://fullycharged.show/blog/3g-pitches-is-the-uk-sleepwalking-into-a-public-health-crisis/ https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/about_ntp/bsc/2017/june/publiccomm/stephanattach2_20170628_508.pdf https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3426039/Artificial-football-pitches-cancer-warning-study-claims-hundreds-cases-linked.html

The planning application to build flats on the current DHFC stadium and part of a 4000 capacity stadium on protected land at Green Dale seems to be entering a new phase. Meadow / DHFC have been in consultation with Southwark for the past few months (hence the radio silence) and have recently issued another 100 or so amended documents. The main changes seem to be to the layout of the blocks of flats and a reduction in the number of flats and associated "affordable" housing. The plan is still to build a plastic pitch, terracing, concrete walkways on Green Dale MOL and to surround it in a high wall so no-one can see in from outside. DHFC hope that the planning application will be heard on 22 April. You have until this Saturday 14th March to have your comments heard https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=ZZZV0JKBWR961 Local residents are concerned that hardly anyone received the letter from Southwark Council telling them that they had such a tiny window of opportunity to comment on the 300 documents. Did anyone on the Abbotswood Estate get the letter? What's important now is that you comment.

There will be a FREE bat walk this Saturday 12th October at 6pm. Meet by the picnic benches in DKH Open Space (the wood and park next to Dog Kennel Hill Sainsburys). The walk will be led by people from the London Bat Group ie people who know their stuff! In the past we have found a lot of bats...heard their echo locations and also seen them flying about. It's a bit later in the year than usual but it means it can be earlier in the evening, which hopefully means more children can come along. If it is raining the walk will be cancelled as bats don't like to get wet apparently.

sjsl: apparently the whole planning website is down and has been since Friday at least. V frustrating. The officer in charge of this application has said that she will accept comments up until the beginning of September. You may also email your comment to Southwark: [email protected] mentioning ref number 19/AP/1867, your name and address. If you don't want your name and address to be displayed, please tell them that.

The Friends of Dog Kennel Hill Wood are putting up some easier to read documentation about the planning application 19/AP/1867 as well as some suggested angles for objecting to it: http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/greendale/respond-to-planning-application-19-ap-1867/

Free Spring Walk in Dog Kennel Hill Woods and Green Dale Fields this Sunday 19th May. Meet at 2pm by the picnic benches in Dog Kennel Hill Open Space, which is the green space to the right of Sainsburys. The walk will be led by Rachel Dowse from the London Wildlife Trust. No need to book - just turn up at 1:50pm. You can peel off if you have other things to do or join us a bit later if you can find us! If it's chucking it down (unlikely) then it will be cancelled. Poster attached..

There's another free after-school lantern making workshop this afternoon 3:30 - 5:30 pm at the Adventure Playground on Dog Kennel Hill. All welcome... kids under 8 will need an adult to help.

The Friends of Dog Kennel Hill Wood have been awarded some funding from Southwark?s Community Council to bring a magical lantern bauble walk to Dog Kennel Hill Woods this December. We have teamed up with Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground who will be running three *FREE* lantern-making workshops for children on Monday 12th Nov 3:30 ? 5:30 pm, Monday 19th November 3:30 ? 5:30 pm and also on Saturday 24th November 10:30 am ? 12:30 pm. These workshops take place at the adventure playground and will be taught by artist Maria. All materials are provided for and you can drop it at any one or all of the workshops to make a paper lantern. We recommend that children under 8 are accompanied by an adult as the lantern-making process can be tricky for younger children and they may need some help. The lanterns will then form part of a procession to Dog Kennel Hill Woods on Saturday 8th December where they will be hung in the trees to form a magical bauble walk. The procession is on Saturday December 8th at 5pm. There will be refreshments and a choir and we welcome everyone to attend and join in. We are hoping that this event will open up the woods and transform it into a magical space during one of the darkest times of the year. The lanterns will stay up in the wood for a week and will be available for collection by the makers to take home for Christmas. http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/lightupthewoods

The Friends of Dog Kennel Hill Wood and Green Dale are holding their annual bat walk this Wednesday 12th September. Meet at 7pm by the picnic benches in Dog Kennel Hill Open Space (this is the small park and wood next to Sainsburys, near the cash machines). The walk will be led by bat experts from the Bat Conservation Trust and the London Bat Group and we will have bat detectors so we can hear the echo location calls of these fascinating creatures. The walk will take in Dog Kennel Hill Open Space, the wood and Green Dale Fields. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for a walk in the "countryside" and a torch for the darker areas. If it's raining heavily the walk will be cancelled (as bats don't like to get wet). In previous years we have heard soprano pipistrelles, common pipstrelles and noctules! It's a magical thing listening in on bats whose presence is otherwise easy to miss. This event is FREE, all ages welcome. The first part of the walk in DKH Open Space is wheelchair accessible but the woods and Green Dale fields are not currently.

hi I know a lot about guinea pigs.... Initial advice: 1) Find out the sex of your pig and if it's male find out if it has been neutered (though you'd be able to see if it hadn't?!) 2) If it's a boar and not neutered, find a competent vet to do this as it can be a nightmare if it goes wrong. (The only vet I recommend to do it is in Reading..Tilehurst vets... they used to be experts in guinea pig care... and probably still are as there is a good community of guinea pig lovers in Tilehurst!) 3) Then you need to find your guinea pig a guinea pig friend... they cannot live alone as they are social animals. DO NOT pair them up with a rabbit!! This is really awful and I've heard terrible tales of the injuries rabbits cause to GPs. They are not the same at all and rabbits can be over-sexed and cause horrific internal damage to a GP, plus they kick. A guinea has to be with another guinea. This can be tricky as males do not take well to living with other males and almost always end up fighting in the end (unless they've been brought up with each other from a young age). So... neutered boars need to live with a sow, and sows can live with another sow or a boar. Don't just go and get another guinea pig and expect them to get on... ideally you should present your pig with two different pigs to see which one they like the best. Some rescue centres may be happy to do this with you. 4) They need a BIG hutch. 1 - 2 pigs need a hutch 120cm by 60cm. Anything smaller is cruel really. And a safe fox-proof run on grass ideally, failing that then a good safe space to run about indoors out of the hutch (this is the best bit about pigs as they can be hilarious once left to roam free-ish). 5) they need a constant supply of good hay - not the rubbish you get as bedding but good Timonthy Hay or other speciality hay. There's a great website: https://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/. But this is possibly more important than anything else - hay all of the time (alongside fresh veg, bit of fresh grass but not too much, water and uncoloured pellets) 6) they need guinea-pig friendly... NOT SAWDUST.. this gives them breathing problems. 7) And they need to live indoors in winter - they can't cope with UK winters. Mine came in to the kitchen for 4 months of the year and would get very excited at Christmas dinner. They do need special care really as they get an awful lot of things wrong with them otherwise. Here are some good resources for you: http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/the-pig-issue/absolute-beginners/ http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/guinea-pigs-united/guinea-pig-rescue/ http://shop.gorgeousguineas.com/ https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk Enjoy them - they are great animals.

There's only a week left for people to comment on the two appeals that have now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate over the DHFC new stadium on nearby Green Dale, blocks of flats and associated landscaping in the area. If you wrote in before to Southwark Council you should now write with a different angle or additional points to the ones you wrote before. Don't repeat yourself. If you didn't write before you should definitely write something!! The Friends of DKH Wood have tons of documentation and suggested points on their website: http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/greendale/planning-inspectorate-appeals/ It's worth looking at the new documentation too that was uploaded this year: http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/greendale/documents-for-16ap1232/ The LBS Log Issues document is very interesting, showing Southwark's thoughts on the application followed by the developer's comments. Plenty to write about if you just read this one document! To comment on the original planning application 16/AP/1232 to build on Green Dale and DHFC stadium go to this website and click the "make representation" button at the top: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?Caseid=3164823&CoID=0

The Friends of Dog Kennel Hill Wood have put together some info on this latest planning application to try and help people comment: http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/respond-to-16ap4051/ http://www.friendsofdkhwood.org/greendale/hadley-property-group-plans/