New chairperson for Friends of Mayow Park

At January's Annual General Meeting (AGM) th Friends of Mayow Park (FOMP) elected a new Chair to lead the group. Robert Hero introduces himself and his aspirations for the future below.

As Chairperson of the Friends of Mayow Park, I’m inspired every day by the community that loves this space. One area where we’ve seen real progress is litter control. Working with Glendale Park Management and Lewisham Council, and adding some of our own bins, the park is cleaner and more welcoming than ever.

Photo R. Hero : One of the new bins

We have several exciting projects underway. Replacing trees lost to age or storms helps the park remain a green oasis, and we have established a developing wildlife pond, providing a home for insects, and amphibians while making the park even more engaging for families.

Photo R. Hero: cherry blossom

Looking ahead, we hope to restore the Victorian drinking fountain, a historic feature that will shine again in time for our 150th anniversary in 2028. That year will be a chance to celebrate the park’s history, its thriving wildlife, and all the improvements the community has helped bring to life.
We plan a month of events and activities to bring everyone together. From the restored fountain to our flourishing trees and wildlife pond, 2028 will be a celebration of Mayow Park and the people who care for it—a milestone to inspire the next chapter of our park’s story.
Robert

Creating new wildlife habitats

 16th October 2024: Lizzy from The Orchard Project led our team of volunteers on a habitat creation journey in and around Mayow Park orchard on a fine, warm October day.

Tools at the ready in wheelbarrows

Photo AS

We were joined by young people from Free We Grow, who came ready to work. Under Lizzy's guidance the young people planted bulbs in the soil around the trees so that, come spring, we will have a lovely floral show.

Photo Mariana FWG

The children worked well as a team and some good conversations were had about what they were doing.

photo Mariana FGW

photo Mariana FWG

photo Mariana FWG

Meanwhile Friends of Mayow volunteers searched for wooden logs the thickness of an arm or slightly thicker. These logs were sawn to manageable lengths ready to create our stag beetle loggery.

Photo AS

Lizzy found the perfect location:  

Photo AS

Stag beetles are among a number of UK endangered invertebrates. Even though there are not huge numbers,  they seem to have settled in South East London where there find old, rotting logs to lay their eggs. Stag beetle larvae can spend up to seven years munching through logs half-buried in the ground. Then they pupate and emerge from their cosy woody homes into daylight.  And we find these royal insects flying around on warm evenings from late May into July as they search for mates, lay eggs and the cycle starts again.

With the logs ready, the two Mikes prepared the ground:

Photo AS

Their artistic creation:   

Photo AS

All finished: 

Photo AS