The northern part of Ladywell Fields has been transformed through the QUERCUS project, financed by the EU Life Environment Fund. QUERCUS stands for 'Quality Urban Environments for River Corridor Users and Stakeholders'.
QUERCUS set out to create delightful riverside areas - not only in Ladywell Fields but also in Cornmill Gardens (Lewisham town centre) and in the two European partner cities, Chester and ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands).
The aims of the project were to:
- increase use and enjoyment of the river corridor and open space
- reduce crime and fear of crime
- improve habitats for wildlife.
In Ladywell Fields, the former featureless green space has become a riverside haven, buzzing with people and nature. The renewal of the park was specifically designed to make the space feel safer, and to focus on the park’s unique asset – the River Ravensbourne.
The key features and changes are:
- a secondary river channel, meandering through the centre of the park, with bridges, a back water and separate wildlife pool
- a new wildlife area as part of the park, replacing the formerly fenced off nature reserve
- new young children’s play area
- re-opened café
- a welcoming entrance space with clear signage and views across the park
- a new path to the station through the wildlife area.
