The Lea Valley Federation is a coalition of community and environmental groups and individuals concerned to protect the character of the Lee Valley Regional Park.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
SLM Weekly Digest 25-7-14
This is the Weekly Digest of Save Lea Marshes, www.saveleamarshes.org.uk an open group of local people in the Lea Valley area concerned with the welfare of the diversity of species that inhabit the marsh lands and green spaces around and ensuring that local people have a voice in keeping green space, open, free and in good bio-diverse condition.
This week - heat-waves, thunderous downpours and a narrow miss of the earth by sun activity that could have taken us back to the 18th century (according to internet news). Nationally and locally these are some of the other events that have been hitting the on-line sphere. Firstly two bits of national news.
GREEN BLOB - environmental groups being referred to as a "green blob" by the outgoing Environmental Secretary, Owen Patterson, is not an issue to be sneezed at. Complaining that the Green Party and other green bodies don't represent the people, off he goes to join Nigel Lawson's climate change deniers..
CRONEYISM - Wednesday's Guardian 23 July, p.10 reports that the new chair of the Environment Agency, is Sir Philip Dilley, a former business adviser to David Cameron and previous chairman of Arup, a firm which has undertaken work for the fracking company Cuadrilla. According to the article he will net a salary of £100,000 for a three day week (nice), whilst being an impartial chair advising on whether Cuardrilla will get drilling rights or should that be "wrongs".
ON ENGLAND'S PLEASANT MABLEY GREEN - having been postponed from the beginning of the month, the date has been set for the 30 July for the London Borough of Hackney Planning Sub Committee will now consider its report on Mabley Green All Weather Sports Pitch; Edible Park, play area ... It is a long and detailed report, which also includes mention again of the plans for the pavilion on Hackney Marshes as part of an on-going overall idea to "create a world class sport, health and wellbeing hub" - enough said! The Mabley Green Users Group have complained to LBH about its failure to inform them again of the report going to committee and not listing its objections regarding the all weather pitch. To see the report go to http://mginternet.hackney.gov.
CROSS RAIL 2 CONTINUED - we have received information that the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has commented on the Consultation Options to the effect that it broadly supports Cross Rail 2, recognising the improvement to transport services. However, it also recognises that it could adversely affect access to the park. The Authority says it could not support any scheme which would result in an incursion into the SSSI and wishes to be contacted directly in the future. This is reasonably encouraging news at this stage. The consultation closes tonight... http://southtottenham.org.
OXBOW VISIT - L.B .Hackney Councillor Ian Rathbone, organised a visit with three officials from the Canals and River Trust (CaRT) and a local resident - the LVRPA were also invited but didn't turn up- to take an informative walk around the area and discuss concerns including weed control. CaRT seemed reluctant to meet the cost of removing the land bridge connected to the Kings Head Bridge due to the cost estimated at between £25-35k and said that recent spraying of pesticide on the bridge was to prevent further damage to the bridge.
RUBBISH SCULPTURE - this item, as mentioned last week, continues to be a subject of correspondence, largely around the consultation issues.
EVENTS
Walthamstow Garden Party 26-27 July at Lloyd Park, behind William Morris Gardens. With assistance from the Barbican - this free event including music from the Brand New Heavies, will be taking place see http://barbican.org.uk/music/
News from Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group concerning a chance to view and comment on plans for 38-40 Upper Clapton Road, E5 known as "The Tramshed". This is being organised by Mapify Upper Clapton Hackshop Upper Clapton Ltd and Voist - see http://www.voist.co.uk on 30-31 July 2-8 p.m. at the Round Chapel, Lower Clapton Road E5. Locals will know that this site, formerly as the name suggests a tram depot but latterly as a place for small businesses, artists and some live-in workspace has been under threat of the usual kind of "shove em up, put in as many as possible.." kind of housing development, despite it being designated by LBH as a "Priority Employment Area". There were several goes at getting the development through the Planning Committee and local campaigners wanted to establish the Clapton Arts Trust in this heritage building. Now, plans by new owners, the site ,( which stands empty of former gallery space and small businesses), can be viewed at these sessions. Wednesday could be a busy night for Claptonites going to this and then on to the Planning Sub Committee ...
Nothing to do with the .. marshes - except that those of you who have viewed our sales webpage, might have spotted three guys modelling our campaign tee shirts (sadly a size too small!) - this is the internationally known a cappella folk band Coope, Boyes and Simpson, who will be performing as part of an In Flanders Fields Peace Concert at Kings Place (The Guardian Building), York Way, N1 on Monday 25 August tickets available from www.kingsplace.co.uk For more details of the band and their music go to www.nomasters.co.uk
Save Lea Marshes regular fortnightly open meeting won't be happening as usual this week - we're going to be putting up a team at a local Quiz night, to hopefully win funds for our campaign coffers. The next meeting will probably be the following Monday but we'll keep you informed.
AND FINALLY - following our request to ask readers to write a complaint to the LVRPA about the hoggin path plans last week, it has been suggested that we provide a "model template" for you to use and/or adapt. I had hoped to send it out as an attachment to the digest but we're just doing the final "dotting the i's and crossing the t's and will send it out to the digest list as soon as possible.
This week - heat-waves, thunderous downpours and a narrow miss of the earth by sun activity that could have taken us back to the 18th century (according to internet news). Nationally and locally these are some of the other events that have been hitting the on-line sphere. Firstly two bits of national news.
GREEN BLOB - environmental groups being referred to as a "green blob" by the outgoing Environmental Secretary, Owen Patterson, is not an issue to be sneezed at. Complaining that the Green Party and other green bodies don't represent the people, off he goes to join Nigel Lawson's climate change deniers..
CRONEYISM - Wednesday's Guardian 23 July, p.10 reports that the new chair of the Environment Agency, is Sir Philip Dilley, a former business adviser to David Cameron and previous chairman of Arup, a firm which has undertaken work for the fracking company Cuadrilla. According to the article he will net a salary of £100,000 for a three day week (nice), whilst being an impartial chair advising on whether Cuardrilla will get drilling rights or should that be "wrongs".
ON ENGLAND'S PLEASANT MABLEY GREEN - having been postponed from the beginning of the month, the date has been set for the 30 July for the London Borough of Hackney Planning Sub Committee will now consider its report on Mabley Green All Weather Sports Pitch; Edible Park, play area ... It is a long and detailed report, which also includes mention again of the plans for the pavilion on Hackney Marshes as part of an on-going overall idea to "create a world class sport, health and wellbeing hub" - enough said! The Mabley Green Users Group have complained to LBH about its failure to inform them again of the report going to committee and not listing its objections regarding the all weather pitch. To see the report go to http://mginternet.hackney.gov.
CROSS RAIL 2 CONTINUED - we have received information that the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has commented on the Consultation Options to the effect that it broadly supports Cross Rail 2, recognising the improvement to transport services. However, it also recognises that it could adversely affect access to the park. The Authority says it could not support any scheme which would result in an incursion into the SSSI and wishes to be contacted directly in the future. This is reasonably encouraging news at this stage. The consultation closes tonight... http://southtottenham.org.
OXBOW VISIT - L.B .Hackney Councillor Ian Rathbone, organised a visit with three officials from the Canals and River Trust (CaRT) and a local resident - the LVRPA were also invited but didn't turn up- to take an informative walk around the area and discuss concerns including weed control. CaRT seemed reluctant to meet the cost of removing the land bridge connected to the Kings Head Bridge due to the cost estimated at between £25-35k and said that recent spraying of pesticide on the bridge was to prevent further damage to the bridge.
RUBBISH SCULPTURE - this item, as mentioned last week, continues to be a subject of correspondence, largely around the consultation issues.
EVENTS
Walthamstow Garden Party 26-27 July at Lloyd Park, behind William Morris Gardens. With assistance from the Barbican - this free event including music from the Brand New Heavies, will be taking place see http://barbican.org.uk/music/
News from Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group concerning a chance to view and comment on plans for 38-40 Upper Clapton Road, E5 known as "The Tramshed". This is being organised by Mapify Upper Clapton Hackshop Upper Clapton Ltd and Voist - see http://www.voist.co.uk on 30-31 July 2-8 p.m. at the Round Chapel, Lower Clapton Road E5. Locals will know that this site, formerly as the name suggests a tram depot but latterly as a place for small businesses, artists and some live-in workspace has been under threat of the usual kind of "shove em up, put in as many as possible.." kind of housing development, despite it being designated by LBH as a "Priority Employment Area". There were several goes at getting the development through the Planning Committee and local campaigners wanted to establish the Clapton Arts Trust in this heritage building. Now, plans by new owners, the site ,( which stands empty of former gallery space and small businesses), can be viewed at these sessions. Wednesday could be a busy night for Claptonites going to this and then on to the Planning Sub Committee ...
Nothing to do with the .. marshes - except that those of you who have viewed our sales webpage, might have spotted three guys modelling our campaign tee shirts (sadly a size too small!) - this is the internationally known a cappella folk band Coope, Boyes and Simpson, who will be performing as part of an In Flanders Fields Peace Concert at Kings Place (The Guardian Building), York Way, N1 on Monday 25 August tickets available from www.kingsplace.co.uk For more details of the band and their music go to www.nomasters.co.uk
Save Lea Marshes regular fortnightly open meeting won't be happening as usual this week - we're going to be putting up a team at a local Quiz night, to hopefully win funds for our campaign coffers. The next meeting will probably be the following Monday but we'll keep you informed.
AND FINALLY - following our request to ask readers to write a complaint to the LVRPA about the hoggin path plans last week, it has been suggested that we provide a "model template" for you to use and/or adapt. I had hoped to send it out as an attachment to the digest but we're just doing the final "dotting the i's and crossing the t's and will send it out to the digest list as soon as possible.
Friends of Regent Canal
Dear Friends,
The minutes of our recent public meeting are now available on our website. They contain links to documents and presentations and you are welcome to comment on them or circulate them. You will find them on the following web page:-
http://friendsofregentscanal.
Ian Shacklock
Chair, Friends of Regent's Canal
Please visit our website - www.friendsofregentscanal.org
and visit/follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Fo_
and visit/join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/
The minutes of our recent public meeting are now available on our website. They contain links to documents and presentations and you are welcome to comment on them or circulate them. You will find them on the following web page:-
http://friendsofregentscanal.
Our next public meeting is likely to take place in September shortly after the Angel Canal Festival. The agenda will include a discussion on anti-social behaviour on the canal and towpath. This might cover aggressive cycling, careless jogging, amplified music, obstructions, littering, vandalism and any other causes of complaints that we receive. We can look at ways of reporting and suppressing incidents and one of our objectives should be to lure back the many walkers who are currently deterred from enjoying the canal. If you would like to contribute to this discussion then please contact me directly.
Please keep an eye on the events page of our website (http://friendsofregentscanal.
If anybody would like to arrange ad-hoc social events or meetings to discuss special interests then do not hesitate to contact us and we can advertise them to others via our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Best wishes,If anybody would like to arrange ad-hoc social events or meetings to discuss special interests then do not hesitate to contact us and we can advertise them to others via our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Ian Shacklock
Chair, Friends of Regent's Canal
Please visit our website - www.friendsofregentscanal.org
and visit/follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Fo_
and visit/join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/
Boat Moorings
Hi Stella,
I wonder if you are fully aware of what the LVRPA have been getting up to down on Leyton Marsh by the river bank? You will probably know that they have put in a planning application to LBWF for installing mooring posts along the river bank and constructing what is known as a'hoggin path'. I have complained to Lea Bridge councillors about both of these, knowing that the LVRPA had at the same time erected signs declaring "Private Mooring". My grounds for complaint have been firstly that in the current dire shortage of housing it is appalling that a publicly-funded body is seeking to limit the ability of boat-dwellers to reside in this part of the river. Secondly I have pointed out that the area where the path is to be developed is in MOL, SSSI and other special protection status and therefore should not be further disturbed.
However the matter is now blowing up out of a local context. The following has come to light from a friend:
I believe that Waltham Forest should not be approving an application that seeks to provide facilities in support of an unauthorised land usage which is currently under investigation. It would appear that the LVRPA are acting unlawfully as they do not have powers to provide moorings for residential use.
Stella, this is happening in your constituency, but the impact of what's happening to the boat-dwellers spreads to neighbouring areas. Will you convey to LVRPA your disapproval of their actions? Will you liaise with your fellow Lea-riparian MPs?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes,
Claire
I wonder if you are fully aware of what the LVRPA have been getting up to down on Leyton Marsh by the river bank? You will probably know that they have put in a planning application to LBWF for installing mooring posts along the river bank and constructing what is known as a'hoggin path'. I have complained to Lea Bridge councillors about both of these, knowing that the LVRPA had at the same time erected signs declaring "Private Mooring". My grounds for complaint have been firstly that in the current dire shortage of housing it is appalling that a publicly-funded body is seeking to limit the ability of boat-dwellers to reside in this part of the river. Secondly I have pointed out that the area where the path is to be developed is in MOL, SSSI and other special protection status and therefore should not be further disturbed.
However the matter is now blowing up out of a local context. The following has come to light from a friend:
- The LVRPA has unlawfully created and brought into use rented residential moorings without planning permission.
- There are complaints about this currently under investigation by Waltham Forest planning enforcement.
- The current planning application for the mooring posts and hoggin path does not appear to be applying for such permission.
- Many if not all the boats at the new moorings on Leyton Marsh who are now paying rent to the LVRPA are occupied as the full time main residence of the occupants. The moorings should require residential planning permission for the LVRPA to operate them legitimately as a commercial concern.
- The LVRPA have colluded in encouraging boat owners to sign agreements that prohibit overnight staying on the boats, in the knowledge that they will be immediately in breach of their contracts and this illustrates the cynicism of the LVRPA and their intention to raise revenue by fair means or foul. Boat dwellers are being abused as they are paying for mooring agreements which give them no rights of residence beyond those they had previously.
I believe that Waltham Forest should not be approving an application that seeks to provide facilities in support of an unauthorised land usage which is currently under investigation. It would appear that the LVRPA are acting unlawfully as they do not have powers to provide moorings for residential use.
Stella, this is happening in your constituency, but the impact of what's happening to the boat-dwellers spreads to neighbouring areas. Will you convey to LVRPA your disapproval of their actions? Will you liaise with your fellow Lea-riparian MPs?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes,
Claire
SLM Weekly Digest 26-7-14
This is the Weekly Digest of Save Lea Marshes - fighting to keep our greens green. See our websitewww.saveleamarshes.org.uk for further information about our work and current campaigns.
This has been a busy week of outrage. A round-up of what's been discussed and of concern to people with a keen interest in land and environment issues, locally and nationally.
HOGGIN HOCUS POCUS - the wish of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), would seem to be the command of the Waltham Forest Planning Committee. Yet again, they are seeking retrospective approval for work partially completed. A report will be presented to the Planning Committee on Tuesday 1 July, concerning the installation of boat mooring posts (already in place) and a Hoggin pathway (vegetation cleared in preparation). The report notes that there is a lot of public opposition but considers many of the complaints outside of the planning committee brief. SLM members will be present at the committee to speak against. Amongst our concerns are:
that the report should not be presented whilst on going complaints have not been answered; that the LVRPA is trying to push through "residential" moorings under the guise of "leisure" moorings; have used underhand tactics to "divide and rule" boaters and also that the Hoggin path (a mixture of gravel, sand and other aggregate), is unnecessary and not environmentally sound - disputing the committee report's words 'not expected to be harmful impact on ecological habitats'...
PROUD TO BE NIMBY'S - still in Waltham Forest. We reported a few weeks ago about the Waltham Forest Growth Commission. There is an interesting article see http://wwwtheguardian.com/
EATON MANOR MESS - yes we are still in Waltham Forest - a report went to Executive Committee on 15 May which agreed that the allotments be moved to Marsh Lane to make way for a 'temporary meadow' at Eaton Manor at a cost of £480k with £160k coming from the LVRPA enough said?
ENGLAND'S GREEN AND PRESENT LAND - last week we were wondering what happened regarding the Infrastructure Bill and the land underneath our feet being threatened. It was discussed at the House of Lords on Wednesday. This Bill has been described as a 'targeted mess of unrelated issues'. But what these issues have in common is the land on which we stand - e.g. the right to carry out fracking underneath anyone's premises and the sell off of the Land Registry. A good article to read on this was on page 31 of 'The Guardian' on Tuesday 24 June, by George Monbiot under the heading of 'Beware the small print that threatens all public land'.
PARKLIFE - The Heritage Lottery have published a new report called 'State of Uk Parks 2014 Renaissance to risk' seewww.hlf.org.uk/news/pages/
BEES ON THEIR KNEES - this week's campaign of the week: Tuesday is the closing date to sign a petition headed towards David Cameron concerning a large company Sygenta's request to use its Neonicotinoid pesticide in the UK, when it has been banned in Europe. For further information I would direct you to the front page/p.11 of 'The Guardian' on Tuesday 24 June headed 'Pest sprays put world food supplies at risk, say scientists' and also see http://worldscience.org/
CONTRACTOR-ITUS - one of our dogged members has found out that the LVRPA's new contractor for grass cutting, Glendale, has attracted some criticism from other areas where they operate see http://sleafordstandard.co.uk/
MAYBE, MABLEY GREEN - a report on plans for Mabley Green's edible park and new sports pitch go to Hackney Planning Committee on 2 July. Mabley Green (Hackney Marsh and Kingsmead), also features in the new edition of 'Hackney Today", as one of three the designated L.B. Hackney/Walk 4 Life map areas for 'Hackney Wildlife Walks for kids to take their parents on!' This is based on an idea originally tried out in the Lake District. The other areas are Haggerston to Hoxton and Woodberry Down & West Reservoir. Let's hope they find some wildlife...
A TOUCH OF THE WOODBERRY DOWNS - whilst mentioning Woodberry Downs, I confess I coughed and spluttered through another article in 'Hackney Today', about the Woodberry Down Estate regeneration fun day. Cllr. Philip Glanville, Cabinet Member for Housing said ' It was great to see so many residents enjoying the fun day, and finding out how we're regenerating the estate, replacing unfit for purpose properties with high quality new homes and community facilities' (cough) does he mean the (high quality), leaning tower that has many investment lettings in it? Or some of the remaining houses, where people who bought their prime sited homes are not being offered a fair price in today's market? I wonder?
EVENTS
It's Herbal Medicine Week (21-29 June), and Qualified Medical Herbalist extraordinaire, Elsa Hamaz will be doing a guided herbal walk around the Robin Hood Community Garden at the bottom of Big Hill in E5 from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday 29 June. People will be invited to try and sample. For those of you who have never visited, the Robin Hood is a lovely reclaimed space, near where the former pub the Robin Hood formerly stood.
Doing 'The East End Walk' - on Sunday 6 July starting at 2.00 at the Bromley-by-Bow Tube Station (District Line) and finishing at Stratford at around 4.30. As well as getting exercise, this walk has a purpose to bring people and groups together to take a look at the area post Olympics, and ask is it really better? The walk is free but donations to support the newspaper o the Action East End Group 'The Howler' would be welcomed.
The next meeting of SLM will be at the Princess of Wales, Lea Bridge Road at 7.00 p.m. on Monday 30 June(outside if the weather is good - inside if not!). All welcome.
This has been a busy week of outrage. A round-up of what's been discussed and of concern to people with a keen interest in land and environment issues, locally and nationally.
HOGGIN HOCUS POCUS - the wish of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), would seem to be the command of the Waltham Forest Planning Committee. Yet again, they are seeking retrospective approval for work partially completed. A report will be presented to the Planning Committee on Tuesday 1 July, concerning the installation of boat mooring posts (already in place) and a Hoggin pathway (vegetation cleared in preparation). The report notes that there is a lot of public opposition but considers many of the complaints outside of the planning committee brief. SLM members will be present at the committee to speak against. Amongst our concerns are:
that the report should not be presented whilst on going complaints have not been answered; that the LVRPA is trying to push through "residential" moorings under the guise of "leisure" moorings; have used underhand tactics to "divide and rule" boaters and also that the Hoggin path (a mixture of gravel, sand and other aggregate), is unnecessary and not environmentally sound - disputing the committee report's words 'not expected to be harmful impact on ecological habitats'...
PROUD TO BE NIMBY'S - still in Waltham Forest. We reported a few weeks ago about the Waltham Forest Growth Commission. There is an interesting article see http://wwwtheguardian.com/
EATON MANOR MESS - yes we are still in Waltham Forest - a report went to Executive Committee on 15 May which agreed that the allotments be moved to Marsh Lane to make way for a 'temporary meadow' at Eaton Manor at a cost of £480k with £160k coming from the LVRPA enough said?
ENGLAND'S GREEN AND PRESENT LAND - last week we were wondering what happened regarding the Infrastructure Bill and the land underneath our feet being threatened. It was discussed at the House of Lords on Wednesday. This Bill has been described as a 'targeted mess of unrelated issues'. But what these issues have in common is the land on which we stand - e.g. the right to carry out fracking underneath anyone's premises and the sell off of the Land Registry. A good article to read on this was on page 31 of 'The Guardian' on Tuesday 24 June, by George Monbiot under the heading of 'Beware the small print that threatens all public land'.
PARKLIFE - The Heritage Lottery have published a new report called 'State of Uk Parks 2014 Renaissance to risk' seewww.hlf.org.uk/news/pages/
BEES ON THEIR KNEES - this week's campaign of the week: Tuesday is the closing date to sign a petition headed towards David Cameron concerning a large company Sygenta's request to use its Neonicotinoid pesticide in the UK, when it has been banned in Europe. For further information I would direct you to the front page/p.11 of 'The Guardian' on Tuesday 24 June headed 'Pest sprays put world food supplies at risk, say scientists' and also see http://worldscience.org/
CONTRACTOR-ITUS - one of our dogged members has found out that the LVRPA's new contractor for grass cutting, Glendale, has attracted some criticism from other areas where they operate see http://sleafordstandard.co.uk/
MAYBE, MABLEY GREEN - a report on plans for Mabley Green's edible park and new sports pitch go to Hackney Planning Committee on 2 July. Mabley Green (Hackney Marsh and Kingsmead), also features in the new edition of 'Hackney Today", as one of three the designated L.B. Hackney/Walk 4 Life map areas for 'Hackney Wildlife Walks for kids to take their parents on!' This is based on an idea originally tried out in the Lake District. The other areas are Haggerston to Hoxton and Woodberry Down & West Reservoir. Let's hope they find some wildlife...
A TOUCH OF THE WOODBERRY DOWNS - whilst mentioning Woodberry Downs, I confess I coughed and spluttered through another article in 'Hackney Today', about the Woodberry Down Estate regeneration fun day. Cllr. Philip Glanville, Cabinet Member for Housing said ' It was great to see so many residents enjoying the fun day, and finding out how we're regenerating the estate, replacing unfit for purpose properties with high quality new homes and community facilities' (cough) does he mean the (high quality), leaning tower that has many investment lettings in it? Or some of the remaining houses, where people who bought their prime sited homes are not being offered a fair price in today's market? I wonder?
EVENTS
It's Herbal Medicine Week (21-29 June), and Qualified Medical Herbalist extraordinaire, Elsa Hamaz will be doing a guided herbal walk around the Robin Hood Community Garden at the bottom of Big Hill in E5 from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday 29 June. People will be invited to try and sample. For those of you who have never visited, the Robin Hood is a lovely reclaimed space, near where the former pub the Robin Hood formerly stood.
Doing 'The East End Walk' - on Sunday 6 July starting at 2.00 at the Bromley-by-Bow Tube Station (District Line) and finishing at Stratford at around 4.30. As well as getting exercise, this walk has a purpose to bring people and groups together to take a look at the area post Olympics, and ask is it really better? The walk is free but donations to support the newspaper o the Action East End Group 'The Howler' would be welcomed.
The next meeting of SLM will be at the Princess of Wales, Lea Bridge Road at 7.00 p.m. on Monday 30 June(outside if the weather is good - inside if not!). All welcome.
SLM Weekly Digest 18-7-14
This is the Weekly Digest of Save Lea Marshes www.saveleamarshes.org.uk a group of local people trying to keep the marshes and other green spaces as a priority area for wildlife and for people to enjoy such a space. Welcome to new people on the mailing list.
On line discussion and news circulating this week includes:
PETITIONS CAN WORK - sometimes it feels like a losing battle when petitions seem to be ignored. However, this week two glimmers of hope. Firstly, Climate Change Denier, Owen Patterson gets blasted out of the Department for the Environment, perhaps influenced by the 65k plus petition organised by Greenpeace. Not wanting to rest on laurels (or other shrubs) Greenpeace are urging people to email the incoming Minister Liz Truss, to meet with chief climate change scientists. You can add your voice at https://secure.greenpeace.org.
GIVE IT A TRY - on the subject of campaigning we would like to urge everyone on our mailing list to write a letter of complaint to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) about its plans to put a hoggin path on Leyton Marsh. When the London Borough of Waltham Forest, voted through planning permission on 1 July, it was mainly on the misunderstanding of the Planning Committee thinking that this would provide better buggy and wheelchair access for users of the marsh. SLM disputes this, not because we don't want to welcome all people to the marshes but because this particular path is not a "through" path - it is a path to moorings which the LVRPA have effectively privatised. We are also concerned that a substantial amount of habit will be cut back and the current earth path will be replaced with the hoggin - a combination of clay, gravel and sand, not that good for wheeled vehicles or to walk on but harmful to the ecosystem in an area that is a "site of special scientific interest and a site of metropolitan importance for nature conservation and as such should be protected. So we urge you all to write to Shaun Dawson, CEO of the LVRPA at crm@leevalleypark.org.uk to stop them from putting this path down.
LVRPA TRUST ANNOUNCEMENT - We have heard that the chair of the new Lee Valley Leisure Trust - a body specifically formed to deal with the sports, recreation and leisure facilities of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (in essence, with apologies to Vegans - the meat on the bone). The Chair will be Del Goddard, Director of Urban Futures, a regeneration company and former Cabinet Member for Regeneration.. at the London Borough of Enfield. He was, until recently, Enfield representative on the LVRPA. Four other board members are due to be appointed.
BOLLARDS - SLM has contacted Hackney Council about the loosening of the bollards at Hackney Main Marsh. This is where a group of Travellers drove onto the marsh and did some damage earlier in the year. We don't want to see more vehicles drive on to the Marsh.
GLYSOPHATE - an SLM member has complained to the Canals and Rivers Trust about suspected use of Glysophate on Kings Head and Princes of Wales Bridges. Response is awaited.
49 - this is the significant number of people that the LVRPA consulted about the proposed Rubbish Sculptures on Leyton Marsh. No one in SLM who has attended the Forum or Workshop meetings, seems to have been asked. An SLM member sent an FOI about the openness of the selection process for the artist. We are told that this is part of an on-going process of work, that the artists confidentiality has to be respected and that financially this can be sanctioned by officers without being expensive enough to go through committee. Never-the-less it would have been nice to have seen some democracy in inviting tenders at work.
MAKING TRACKS - two items of railway related news. Firstly, an SLM supporter and Local resident has written to the London Borough of Waltham Forest about the delay in the plans to revive the old station on the Lea Bridge Road. Apart from funding, there also appears to be a problem with Japanese Knotweed on the old station platform... Secondly, we have been informed by a local blogger from South Tottenham that major track work and a junction from the planned Crossrail 2, could affect the marshes and a local park. The Consultation Process is open until 25 July. see http://southtottenham.org.
BUTTERFLIES - the charity Butterfly Conservation hopes that thousands of participants will take part in the Big Butterfly Count - spending 15 minutes in parks, gardens etc. over the next three weeks to log sightings. It is reckoned to be a good year - so get out there and spot.
AND BEES - Go on to the BBC IPlayer and listen to the programme aired this week on Radio 4 A Letter to the Bees if you missed it.
EVENTS
Waltham Forest Civic Society (aim: "To preserve the best and improve the rest in Waltham Forest"), will be having a meeting, with speakers and discussion to look at the scope for increased community ownership of pubs, other buildings and green spaces. This will be taking place on Thursday 24 July starting at 7.15 at the Hare & Hounds pub, 278 Lea Bridge Road, E10 7LD Please bring a pen - there will be an opportunity to sign a petition for the pub itself to become a community asset. There will be good food on the menu too.
The campaign to try and get London's green space registered as Greater London National Park is holding an informative coffee morning at Camley Street Natural Park, 12 Camley Street N1C 4BW on 27 August at 10-12 midday. There will be a further campaign meeting in September. For further information contact Daniel Raven-Ellison atDaniel@topolocus.com RSVP to attend.
Our friends at Friends of Belair Park tell us of a Great North Wood Walk happening on Sunday 3 August running from 12 - 4. p.m. This is being jointly organised by London Wildlife Trust and Friends of One Tree and others. Meet at Honor Oak Park. Further details see www.belairpark.org.uk
In the sole interest of promoting better mowing regimes in the Lea Valley Area - I am adding in that the LVRPA are organising a three day event which includes a scything workshop (£5 and needs to be booked via www.visitleevalley.org.uk/
Next SLM meeting - the next scheduled meeting will be substituted for an SLM team to take part in a quiz at the Crooked Billett in Hackney for fundraising and social purposes. We'll confirm the date of the next open Monday meeting but it will probably be 11 August at Princess of Wales in Hackney.
On line discussion and news circulating this week includes:
PETITIONS CAN WORK - sometimes it feels like a losing battle when petitions seem to be ignored. However, this week two glimmers of hope. Firstly, Climate Change Denier, Owen Patterson gets blasted out of the Department for the Environment, perhaps influenced by the 65k plus petition organised by Greenpeace. Not wanting to rest on laurels (or other shrubs) Greenpeace are urging people to email the incoming Minister Liz Truss, to meet with chief climate change scientists. You can add your voice at https://secure.greenpeace.org.
GIVE IT A TRY - on the subject of campaigning we would like to urge everyone on our mailing list to write a letter of complaint to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) about its plans to put a hoggin path on Leyton Marsh. When the London Borough of Waltham Forest, voted through planning permission on 1 July, it was mainly on the misunderstanding of the Planning Committee thinking that this would provide better buggy and wheelchair access for users of the marsh. SLM disputes this, not because we don't want to welcome all people to the marshes but because this particular path is not a "through" path - it is a path to moorings which the LVRPA have effectively privatised. We are also concerned that a substantial amount of habit will be cut back and the current earth path will be replaced with the hoggin - a combination of clay, gravel and sand, not that good for wheeled vehicles or to walk on but harmful to the ecosystem in an area that is a "site of special scientific interest and a site of metropolitan importance for nature conservation and as such should be protected. So we urge you all to write to Shaun Dawson, CEO of the LVRPA at crm@leevalleypark.org.uk to stop them from putting this path down.
LVRPA TRUST ANNOUNCEMENT - We have heard that the chair of the new Lee Valley Leisure Trust - a body specifically formed to deal with the sports, recreation and leisure facilities of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (in essence, with apologies to Vegans - the meat on the bone). The Chair will be Del Goddard, Director of Urban Futures, a regeneration company and former Cabinet Member for Regeneration.. at the London Borough of Enfield. He was, until recently, Enfield representative on the LVRPA. Four other board members are due to be appointed.
BOLLARDS - SLM has contacted Hackney Council about the loosening of the bollards at Hackney Main Marsh. This is where a group of Travellers drove onto the marsh and did some damage earlier in the year. We don't want to see more vehicles drive on to the Marsh.
GLYSOPHATE - an SLM member has complained to the Canals and Rivers Trust about suspected use of Glysophate on Kings Head and Princes of Wales Bridges. Response is awaited.
49 - this is the significant number of people that the LVRPA consulted about the proposed Rubbish Sculptures on Leyton Marsh. No one in SLM who has attended the Forum or Workshop meetings, seems to have been asked. An SLM member sent an FOI about the openness of the selection process for the artist. We are told that this is part of an on-going process of work, that the artists confidentiality has to be respected and that financially this can be sanctioned by officers without being expensive enough to go through committee. Never-the-less it would have been nice to have seen some democracy in inviting tenders at work.
MAKING TRACKS - two items of railway related news. Firstly, an SLM supporter and Local resident has written to the London Borough of Waltham Forest about the delay in the plans to revive the old station on the Lea Bridge Road. Apart from funding, there also appears to be a problem with Japanese Knotweed on the old station platform... Secondly, we have been informed by a local blogger from South Tottenham that major track work and a junction from the planned Crossrail 2, could affect the marshes and a local park. The Consultation Process is open until 25 July. see http://southtottenham.org.
BUTTERFLIES - the charity Butterfly Conservation hopes that thousands of participants will take part in the Big Butterfly Count - spending 15 minutes in parks, gardens etc. over the next three weeks to log sightings. It is reckoned to be a good year - so get out there and spot.
AND BEES - Go on to the BBC IPlayer and listen to the programme aired this week on Radio 4 A Letter to the Bees if you missed it.
EVENTS
Waltham Forest Civic Society (aim: "To preserve the best and improve the rest in Waltham Forest"), will be having a meeting, with speakers and discussion to look at the scope for increased community ownership of pubs, other buildings and green spaces. This will be taking place on Thursday 24 July starting at 7.15 at the Hare & Hounds pub, 278 Lea Bridge Road, E10 7LD Please bring a pen - there will be an opportunity to sign a petition for the pub itself to become a community asset. There will be good food on the menu too.
The campaign to try and get London's green space registered as Greater London National Park is holding an informative coffee morning at Camley Street Natural Park, 12 Camley Street N1C 4BW on 27 August at 10-12 midday. There will be a further campaign meeting in September. For further information contact Daniel Raven-Ellison atDaniel@topolocus.com RSVP to attend.
Our friends at Friends of Belair Park tell us of a Great North Wood Walk happening on Sunday 3 August running from 12 - 4. p.m. This is being jointly organised by London Wildlife Trust and Friends of One Tree and others. Meet at Honor Oak Park. Further details see www.belairpark.org.uk
In the sole interest of promoting better mowing regimes in the Lea Valley Area - I am adding in that the LVRPA are organising a three day event which includes a scything workshop (£5 and needs to be booked via www.visitleevalley.org.uk/
Next SLM meeting - the next scheduled meeting will be substituted for an SLM team to take part in a quiz at the Crooked Billett in Hackney for fundraising and social purposes. We'll confirm the date of the next open Monday meeting but it will probably be 11 August at Princess of Wales in Hackney.
SLM Weekly Digest 11-7-14
This is the Weekly Digest of Save Lea Marshes - a group of local people, who formed in response to the building of a "temporary basketball training facility" on Leyton Marsh as part of the Olympics in 2012, and now continue to try to keep Leyton Marsh, surrounding marshes and other green spaces in the Lea Valley as green as possible, with priority for nature and the enjoyment of people. We have an active website www.saveleamarshes.org.uk which includes a shop page, with a growing range of items to raise money to support our work.
Topics that have been discussed by email exchange, are mentioned in the media and generally around that concern our area this week include:
PESTICIDES - previous coverage in the Weekly Digest has mentioned two types of the various substances that chemical companies, farmers and municipal authorities are intent on spraying us all with. One of these Neonictionoids, is featured in a "Guardian" report (Thursday 10 July, p.13), describing how a new Dutch study shows that 95% of the toxin spreads beyond crops and is considered by this study to be one of the biggest contributors to the loss of birds and bees during the period of 2003-2010.. This article is well worth reading in full. Meanwhile back in Hackney, the Mayor after receiving evidence from the Glysophate campaign is sticking to his view that, the quantities of Glysophate and its well known brand name "Roundup", used are not sufficient to cause a threat. The campaign will respond. Authorities always stick to the status quo e.g. "The Guardian" article quotes a Defra spokesperson "Pesticide use (in) Europe is tightly regulated ... (pesticides) are a safe, effective and economical means of managing crops. We continue to review evidence on neonicotinoids." I remember my Gran, who along with others from that generation, for years had a Flit Gun and a roll of sticky paper hanging from the ceiling in her home to keep flies at bay. These contained DDT and are now banned.
LITER-ARTY - An SLM member sent a complaint to the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), about the lack of consultation and use of ODA licence money (forthcoming from the Basketball Training Centre building scheme), for sculptures featuring litter on the marshes at a cost of £3,000. The LVRPA sent a reply which pointed out that ODA funds were agreed to be split between community projects, a mural art project (already completed) and habitat enhancement projects, now in process. However, the LVRPA's own report (20 June 2013, which refers back to a previous report of 15 December 2011), states that: "Income of £73,000 from the ODA to projects in the area and following consultation with the user forum, the forum agreed to outreach and engagement works over a three year period, including an arts project (my highlighting), guided walks/talks and volunteer activity sessions. Further habitat enhancement will be subject to further consultation at the forum following the results of the flora surveys currently underway." Now it might seem pedantic, but as the Forum, was disbanded and replaced by Workshops (without consultation), and there hasn't been one since March (the next one is in September), it is an example of how the word "consultation" gets misused.
LVRPA AGM
A couple of SLM members braved the traffic to head to the LVRPA's AGM yesterday. Unfortunately, we got stuck in said traffic and missed the beginning. However, we were in time to catch the CEO's glowing presentation to the committee, who seemed most animated when it came to discussing how the cafés at the post-Olympic venues had improved, since the LVRPA took over. Other notable points included, how complaints had gone up; website visits had increased (could these be connected?) and how the team was doing more consultations with users (throat and stick..). The Chair also said it was a shame that the Environment Agency and the Canals and Rivers Trust, hadn't sent anyone. No mention of the public!
MOORINGS - we hear that following a request from a Waltham Forest citizen, the Walthamstow MP, Stella Creasy, will be visiting Leyton Marsh soon...
ORIENT WAY - the London Borough of Waltham Forest has replied to a stage 2 complaint about the clearing of vegetation here, saying that it was managed in "accordance of its Open Spaces Strategy". However, it did not mention that the complaint specifically mentioned that the works were carried out during the bird breeding season and that this is against the law. The borough's Open Spaces Strategy, also refers to the Marsh Lane area as being one of its bio-diverse areas - ho, hum!
NEW OLYMPIC LEGACY CHIEF - this week's "Hackney Gazette" "Parklife insert", tells us that there is to be a replacement to Denis Hone, the current Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation" in September by David Goldstone, CBE, an accountant, currently Chief Financial Officer at Transport for London. Mr. Goldstone has previous (experience) having played "a major role" in delivering the 2012 Games. There is also a feature on new art on hoardings around the Chobham Manor development, influenced by the "Bayeaux Tapestry".
VOLUNTARY ACTION WALTHAMSTOW - we have been updated on current funding, training and events from this excellent and supportive Council for Voluntary Action. One event from this source are included below.
EVENTS - Walthamstow Village Fete will be happening on 2 August 13.00-18.00 at Orford Road, Walthamstow. Further information from Walthamstowfestival@gmail.com or phone 0208 223 0707 - there will lots of stalls, art etc.
St. John's Church Fete is this Saturday from 1.00 to 5ish. at St. John's Church, Hackney. This is always a lively local Hackney event.
The Community Tree Nursery, with the Hackney Marsh Users Group, Hackney is organising a walk, talk and a bit of hands on work session on Sunday 13th July from 2- until Tea Time at the Tree Nursery. Bring picnic (water and tea will be available) and wear suitable clothing.
Next SLM meeting is at the Hare & Hounds pub, on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton at 7.30 p.m. All welcome.
Topics that have been discussed by email exchange, are mentioned in the media and generally around that concern our area this week include:
PESTICIDES - previous coverage in the Weekly Digest has mentioned two types of the various substances that chemical companies, farmers and municipal authorities are intent on spraying us all with. One of these Neonictionoids, is featured in a "Guardian" report (Thursday 10 July, p.13), describing how a new Dutch study shows that 95% of the toxin spreads beyond crops and is considered by this study to be one of the biggest contributors to the loss of birds and bees during the period of 2003-2010.. This article is well worth reading in full. Meanwhile back in Hackney, the Mayor after receiving evidence from the Glysophate campaign is sticking to his view that, the quantities of Glysophate and its well known brand name "Roundup", used are not sufficient to cause a threat. The campaign will respond. Authorities always stick to the status quo e.g. "The Guardian" article quotes a Defra spokesperson "Pesticide use (in) Europe is tightly regulated ... (pesticides) are a safe, effective and economical means of managing crops. We continue to review evidence on neonicotinoids." I remember my Gran, who along with others from that generation, for years had a Flit Gun and a roll of sticky paper hanging from the ceiling in her home to keep flies at bay. These contained DDT and are now banned.
LITER-ARTY - An SLM member sent a complaint to the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), about the lack of consultation and use of ODA licence money (forthcoming from the Basketball Training Centre building scheme), for sculptures featuring litter on the marshes at a cost of £3,000. The LVRPA sent a reply which pointed out that ODA funds were agreed to be split between community projects, a mural art project (already completed) and habitat enhancement projects, now in process. However, the LVRPA's own report (20 June 2013, which refers back to a previous report of 15 December 2011), states that: "Income of £73,000 from the ODA to projects in the area and following consultation with the user forum, the forum agreed to outreach and engagement works over a three year period, including an arts project (my highlighting), guided walks/talks and volunteer activity sessions. Further habitat enhancement will be subject to further consultation at the forum following the results of the flora surveys currently underway." Now it might seem pedantic, but as the Forum, was disbanded and replaced by Workshops (without consultation), and there hasn't been one since March (the next one is in September), it is an example of how the word "consultation" gets misused.
LVRPA AGM
A couple of SLM members braved the traffic to head to the LVRPA's AGM yesterday. Unfortunately, we got stuck in said traffic and missed the beginning. However, we were in time to catch the CEO's glowing presentation to the committee, who seemed most animated when it came to discussing how the cafés at the post-Olympic venues had improved, since the LVRPA took over. Other notable points included, how complaints had gone up; website visits had increased (could these be connected?) and how the team was doing more consultations with users (throat and stick..). The Chair also said it was a shame that the Environment Agency and the Canals and Rivers Trust, hadn't sent anyone. No mention of the public!
MOORINGS - we hear that following a request from a Waltham Forest citizen, the Walthamstow MP, Stella Creasy, will be visiting Leyton Marsh soon...
ORIENT WAY - the London Borough of Waltham Forest has replied to a stage 2 complaint about the clearing of vegetation here, saying that it was managed in "accordance of its Open Spaces Strategy". However, it did not mention that the complaint specifically mentioned that the works were carried out during the bird breeding season and that this is against the law. The borough's Open Spaces Strategy, also refers to the Marsh Lane area as being one of its bio-diverse areas - ho, hum!
NEW OLYMPIC LEGACY CHIEF - this week's "Hackney Gazette" "Parklife insert", tells us that there is to be a replacement to Denis Hone, the current Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation" in September by David Goldstone, CBE, an accountant, currently Chief Financial Officer at Transport for London. Mr. Goldstone has previous (experience) having played "a major role" in delivering the 2012 Games. There is also a feature on new art on hoardings around the Chobham Manor development, influenced by the "Bayeaux Tapestry".
VOLUNTARY ACTION WALTHAMSTOW - we have been updated on current funding, training and events from this excellent and supportive Council for Voluntary Action. One event from this source are included below.
EVENTS - Walthamstow Village Fete will be happening on 2 August 13.00-18.00 at Orford Road, Walthamstow. Further information from Walthamstowfestival@gmail.com or phone 0208 223 0707 - there will lots of stalls, art etc.
St. John's Church Fete is this Saturday from 1.00 to 5ish. at St. John's Church, Hackney. This is always a lively local Hackney event.
The Community Tree Nursery, with the Hackney Marsh Users Group, Hackney is organising a walk, talk and a bit of hands on work session on Sunday 13th July from 2- until Tea Time at the Tree Nursery. Bring picnic (water and tea will be available) and wear suitable clothing.
Next SLM meeting is at the Hare & Hounds pub, on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton at 7.30 p.m. All welcome.
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