Iona Orchard nature reserve
is a haven of green tranquility behind a locked gate at the south end of
Ladywell Fields (i.e. in the Crofton Park area) just a stone's throw from South
Circular.
Iona Orchard is a SINC - a
site of interest for nature conservation - because the ancient fruit trees,
alive and dead, provide home to some uncommon species of beetles. The site,
which is part owned by the Council, part by L&Q Housing Association, used to
be the double gardens of the pair of fine Victorian villas that face onto
Ravensbourne Park Road - but now it is fenced off and secure without free public
access.
The Council's Ecology
Manager, in liaison with the Ladywell Fields User Group and L&Q, has drawn
up a management plan for the site and for the last few years Nature's Gym and
the Ladywell Fields User Group have run volunteer sessions to build a woodchip
path, keep brambles and ivy at bay.
Ten fruit trees (of
traditional varieties) have been planted with the help and generosity of the
Urban Orchard Project and, in time, they will grow into full-sized trees - but
they have to be looked after carefully to ensure they survive and
thrive.
Now is the time to take
this project to a new level so that the site can be declared safe for
educational visits during the Summer and Autumn, so might you be able to help -
either by coming along to the occasional volunteer session or by joining a
'management committee' for the site. An Interest in ecology, gardening and/or
environmental volunteering would be helpful but is not essential.
Families are welcome
although parents may wish to keep a close eye on younger kids, especially if and
when work is being done one-site, until such time as we're fully confident the
site is completely safe (i.e. free of any residual broken glass, cans
etc.)
If you're interested,
please email ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk and let us know how you'd like to be
involved and what sort of time commitment you might be able to
make.
Robert Sheppard