Wild green space in Brockley saved from development

When local resident Joe O’Donnell heard that the densely wooded, triangular plot of land, tucked behind Tressillian Road and next to the railway cutting, was about to be sold to developers, he didn’t waste any time.

He realised that the site was an important green space for nature, in an area that has seen high levels of new development.

O'Donnell started researching the history of the site, combing through Ordnance Survey maps dating back to the 18^th Century.  He found that the plot had never been developed, making the small space a sanctuary for nature.

Lewisham council decided to dispose of the awkwardly shaped site at a meeting on 4^th December 2024, and Brockley Society flagged this up to local residents. 

O'Donnell contacted Brockley councillors, suggesting that instead of selling this space off, the council open it up for use by the public.   

“New green spaces are essential, given the ongoing densification around Brockley station ... and huge amount of Lewisham development,” he says.

He pointed to Lewisham’s Parks and open spaces policy, which shows the area as deficient in access to local parks. Lewisham council has also signed up to London Mayor Sadiq Khan's target to make the city at least 50 per cent green by 2050.

 Lewisham council has now abandoned its plan to sell-off the site. 

O’Donnell is working with Councillor Stephen Penfold to explore options for the future of the site. He hopes that it can be opened to the public, as a pocket park, small nature reserve or a even a forest school.