I’m part of something really beneficial

Created in 1981 by the London Borough of Southwark, in conjunction with TRUE and Landuse Consultants, Lavender Pond is now a thriving haven for wildlife, an amenity for local residents and also an educational resource centre.

Michael explains: "I initially did just one day a week, but after seeing how enjoyable it was, I took on more responsibility as a volunteer officer and now get to help with leading groups of volunteers. More recently I have worked with other volunteers at the site to apply for funding so that we can regenerate the green spaces in the residential area surrounding the pond. So far we have led young volunteers (16-25) to work on a roadside verge which was previously overgrown and planted it with flowers and shrubs that will attract bees and butterflies to the area as well as creating a path through it for children. And so far this has been very well received by locals."

The Park is set in the northern part of the former Surrey Commercial Docks, once the centre of Britain's timber trade. It was created on the site of the former Lavender Pond, a large expanse of shallow water where timber was floated to prevent it from drying and cracking.

Although this area has changed over the years, Michael is pleased to be part of the team that has brought the wetland area back to its former glory as it used to stretch for miles along the Thames.

"Conservation volunteering in London has been really fulfilling. I've met some great people and always come away feeling like I'm a part of something really beneficial. It's great to show that conservation doesn't have to stop in the countryside and that green areas can exist in a big city like London."