ABOUT THE RESERVE

For over 30 years the reserve was run by the community run nature reserve, to protect nature and furthers the social wellbeing and interests of the local community. 

Social/Community Use 
The Nature Reserve continues to hold distinctive communal, commemorative, symbolic and spiritual significance and is associated with a distinctive cultural heritage established by local resident Jeanne Pendrill of appreciating and nurturing inner city natural environments. The reserve also plays a vital role in preserving the incredible diversity of wildlife in Camden, as well as forging community links and networks and providing a safe space for environmental education for our next generation of Camden citizens. 


Children’s group visits: In the past the site has been used by a variety of school groups from different parts of Camden. In 2012 it received weekly visits from groups of up to 15 from Carlton Primary School during term time. In its heyday it was visited on a weekly basis by up to 10 primary school children from Reception classes at Gospel Oak Primary school. Teachers loved the site, appreciating its unique ability to provide a safe arena for interacting with the environment, thanks to its small size and the stable boundaries. It was also used and loved by Highgate and Holloway woodcraft groups (aged 3- 15) and Forest School groups. Jeanne Pendrill also liaised with Project Dirt, Transition Dartmouth Park, the Green Gym volunteer network, and – via Camley Street – organised Corporate Volunteer Days. These organisations provided free labour and other support. Regular volunteer days were held on the first Sunday of every month to tackle a range of conservation and practical maintenance tasks. Local businesses such as Budgens provided small grants for specific projects.