As the shakedown of the newly elected councillors gets into gear, SLM's main concern is getting a voice for the preservation of our dwindling green spaces. News and discussion this week includes:
BEATING THE BOUNDS - the rain subsided, the sun shone and over 70 people turned up to follow the traditional ceremony and walk, blended with the need to make people aware of how our marshland is under threat. This year, Pinny Grylls, filmed the action, in preparation for a film she plans to make of the area and its inhabitants. Also, there was the doyen of local radio Pete Day for Nu Sound Radio. To hear coverage of the event go to https://radiopetedotorg.files.
WALTHAMSTOW WETLANDS - as featured in the "Evening Standard" on Wednesday 28 May p.19, the £6.5million project to create what could be the largest wetlands in Europe, attracting up to 25,000 visitors - goes to the London Borough of Waltham Forest Planning Committee on 3rd June with a 40 page report backing the project (with some provisions). Amongst bodies consulted and in favour is notable that the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority have not submitted any comment and Natural England who question the impact on the neighbouring SSSI.
GLYSOPHATE - the Katherine Hammnet organised petition about the use of Glysophate in Hackney, was handed in at the Town Hall on Tuesday. This week's Hackney Gazette letter's page also features a very intelligent letter arguing against its use. Meanwhile, a complaint has been lodged about its apparent use on the railway banks on the line going across the Wathamstow Marshes, so closely sited to the SSSI.
PETITION OF THE WEEK - who can resist having a go at Eric Pickles? http://you.38degrees.org.uk/
ON GOING COMPLAINTS - firstly, we are pleased to report that following complaints about rubbish in the river by Oxbow Island, the LVRPA have been on the case and have started clearing. Also spotting a Swan nesting there. Secondly, a complaint has been lobbed at London Borough of Waltham Forest regarding the non-moving "removable" shed and associated horse fencing - put in at the Waterworks "Golf" pitch last year for Pony Treking - which doesn't seem to be happening there this year, which begs the question why public land is being fenced...
EVENTS
As mentioned in last week's Digest - SLM are organising an "Edible Plant Indentification Walk" on Walthamstow Marshes this coming 1 st June. Meet at Coppermill Fields Car Park, in Walthamstow at 2.00 p.m. and walk will finish at the Springfield Café around 4.00 p.m. Not to be missed!
On Saturday 7 June at The White Hart in Stoke Newington, authors who have written about the marshes - Gareth Rees and John Rogers, will be taking part in a talk about the narratives of London, as part of the Stoke Newington Literary Festival It starts at 3.00 p.m., costs £5. Tickets from http://billeto.co.uk/gareth-
Next SLM Meeting - 7.00 p.m. at the Princess of Wales, Lea Bridge Road. All welcome.
Last, and by no means least, we were pleased to hear that the Stokey Local campaign had been successful in getting its Judicial Review case heard and to have two stages of the process combined, to ease the process of argument. The campaign has a long way to go to stop a housing development with very few low rented houses included, a (surplus to requirements), Sainsburys and the threat to both local wildlife and small business. Funds are still needed and supporting this case will help other similar campaigns in future. Go to www.stokeylocal.org.uk for the full detailed story.
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