Dawson's Hill Trust

[andrew-lynch]

Hi,

I'm doing some research on Dawson's Hill as part of a project for my MSc. Dawson's Hill is the greenspace between Dunstans Road and the Dawson Heights Estate. Can anyone tell me if The Dawson's Hill Trust - http://www.dawsonshill.org.uk/ - is still organising workdays and promoting the hill? I'm wondering if there is a management plan or particular work days volunteers meet? Has there been any biodiversity/flora/fauna/invertebrate surveys carried out on the hill by the trust/local groups/individuals? The website mentions bats and woodpeckers but does anyone know the specific species? Also any personal opinions are welcome, what do people enjoy about the hill and use it for? - Recreation, nature study, peace & quiet or to take in the views? If anyone can offer help with these questions or wants to share experiences I'd be grateful.

Warm wishes,

Andrew Lynch

[KidKruger]

I think ComputedShorty willbe able to tell you some history to that area, he's posted about it before I think.

[computedshorty]

This link might help.

http://www.dulwichsociety.com/newsletters/43-spring-2006/213

[andrew-lynch]

Thanks KidKruger & ComputedShorty,

Yes I got a lot of good information from the excellent Dulwich Society post, thank you. I'm now looking to see if The Dawson's Hill Trust is still together or if anyone was a member in the past. I presume they've finished now as the website was last updated in 2004. I'm also interested in anyone who has information on the species of bats and other wildlife found on the hill - even if it's just sightings while out walking

I have found that the the area of Secondary Woodland / Roughland beside Donkey Alley is listed as 'TRADITIONAL ORCHARD PRIORITY HABITAT' by DEFRA although quite overgrown now. Anyone spotted any apple tree species?

[computedshorty]

It must be sixty years since I went there, I recall that Mount Aden Park had not been Macadam surfaced, you could get onto Dawsons Hill by the bend in the road then, there were some fruit trees just there.

[PeckhamRose]

Can't help you in research but I would say loads of us go there to see the fireworks 5 Nov and at New Year's and there's a great atmosphere. I always take visitors there to see the views and it's soooo much better than Primrose Hill! It's one of my favourite places in London to see London! I look forward to hearing / reading your work and thanks computedshorty for the links!

[Nero]

I'd love to know about bats near to where I live - just opposite Goodrich School on Goodrich Road. Bats are one of my favourite creatures but I never see them around here, even though the back of my house backs on to a football pitch-sized patch of suburban gardens which I'd've thought would be a good feeding and roosting spot for them. Anyone else see bats in and around SE22/21/15?

[Whittler]

See them most evenings in the late summer where i live (Sydenham Rise/Sydenham Hill area).... Lots in the railway tunnel in Dulwich/Sydenham woods http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/bats-nature-notes

[david_carnell]

This chap is lsited as a Director. Try contacting him directly.

http://storm.olan.org/