Young Advisors come to Beckenham Place Park

This August, a group of Young Mayor’s Advisors spent two afternoons at Beckenham Place Park, exploring how we can look after nature and live more sustainably, with some hands-on activities along the way.

Day one: a ranger-led walk and a sustainable cooking session

The first session began with a walk around the park led by James, the park’s ranger. He told the group about the park’s history and about the challenges it faces, including the impact of this summer’s heatwave on the landscape and wildlife. We had the oportunity to see some beautiful and antchoe nature in the woodlands of the park.

Afterwards, the group moved on to a sustainable cooking session run by Kinship Kitchen. They learned what makes food sustainable, how we might eat in the future, and what delicious, healthy and sustainable food could look like. We made some energising date balls, some delicious Panipuri and some lettuce boats filled with some
couscous and salad. All the food was vegan and mostly all in season!

Day two: repair, reuse and a treasure hunt

On the second day, the Advisors took part in a repair workshop, restoring broken Game Boys. The session showed how repairing things instead of throwing them away saves resources, and introduced the idea of a circular economy, where items are kept in use for as long as possible.

The group then followed a treasure hunt around the park, which ended at The Homestead Cafe & Bar. The café is a great example of sustainability in practice trialling reusable cups and plates, supported by the Mayor of London’s Green New Deal, to cut single-use packaging and waste in the park.

Get involved

Nature Neighbourhoods is working with young people across Lewisham to shape greener, healthier spaces. If you work with young people and want to get involved reach out on our website or email NatureNeighbourhoods@lewisham.gov.uk.