UPDATE: Beckton Parks Masterplan

In September 2023, we were invited back to join the Beckton Parks Working Group to support implementation of the Beckton Parks Masterplan. Members, Jyotsna, and Celia went to represent ClimateYouChange. In the new 112 acre Beckton parks and green spaces design plans, we were happy to see a number of our recommendations: 

• the creation of two food forests; one of which is to include an outdoor learning area

• food growing capacity increased with more allotments

• phasing out of annual planting and replacing with climate resilient wildlife friendly perennials, including new perennials around pathways

• more trees and patches of wildflower planting

• composting facilities for green waste and food waste

• phasing out of petrol driven vehicles and tools for park maintenance and more cycle parking

• the re-use and refurbishment of existing buildings where possible

• reduced hard standing through naturalising an existing area of concrete to create more parkland

• phasing out of single use plastics from all facilities. 

  
  

We were also told that the plans for the Will Thorne Pavilion included using this space to support the circular economy through the ideas that we previously put forward; namely providing space for residents to share unneeded belongings and to attend mending and upcycling learning activities.

Some of the incorporated design ideas listed above were also requested by others involved at the co-design stage. There were however certain suggestions which were only really proposed by ClimateYouChange. We had worked hard to explain these elements and why they are needed. It is really encouraging to see how open Newham Council are to taking these suggestions on board.

During Working Group meetings, we spoke about how the various stakeholders could work with the Council and the Engagement Team. We discussed areas that we would like to be involved in and help to deliver. This help was due to be in the form of finessing different elements with relevant advice from us as part of this equation.

We keenly expressed support for the roll out of the food forests and other greening initiatives, to achieve sustainable food growing practices, increase biodiversity and maximise carbon drawdown. We also volunteered to get involved in the setting up of circular economy initiatives and education at the Will Thorne Pavilion.

Sadly, after attending meetings to discuss how we would like to support the Masterplan implementation, the Parks Team decided to no longer continue with the Working Group. There had been a couple of combative individuals (unrelated to ClimateYouChange) who weren’t working respectfully and had been using their inclusion within the group to challenge members of the council. This is a real shame, but we are still happy to know that many of our suggestions were chosen to be taken forward and we were able to affect the Masterplan design outcomes!