This is a locally important educational centre run by the Creekside Education Trust and has direct access to Deptford Creek. It is one of the few locations along the southern bank of the River Thames in iiner London that has a natural river bank profile. The grounds and roof of the centre are a specially created brownfield site, and the site serves as an example of the high value to nature conservation brownfield sites have. Schools often use the centre and regular excursions to the creek are held, both for children and adults.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
River Thames at Creekside Education Centre
Borough: Lewisham
Grade: Borough
Access: Access at limited times
Area: 0.26 ha
Description
Wildlife
The grounds are covered in crushed concrete and other rubble. A number of uncommon warmth-loving invertebrates have been found on barer areas in the past. Brownfield sites like this one also provide foraging grounds for the black redstart. Vegetation on the site is managed for high diversity and provides refuge for some declining species lost elsewhere in the area due to development. Species present include red valerian, viper's bugloss, ox-eye daisy and beaked hawk's-beard. Also present is small mouse-ear, whitlow grass and rue-leaved saxifrage. To the east of the centre, a small pond has been planted with various aquatics and marginals from the Creek including flag iris, blue water-speedwell and water figwort. The pond provides habitat for common frogs, toads and smooth newts, along with dragonflies and damselflies. Towards the eastern end of the site, hemlock water-dropwort dominates the upper inter-tidal zone of the only beach in Deptford Creek. Amongst it also grows watermint and watercress, alongside other freshwater species. Lower down the beach are a few saltmarsh species including English scurvygrass and sea clubrush.Facilities
Facilities: indoor learning space; private creek access; pond and dipping platform with disabled access; designated eating area.
Tufted vetch © Gavin Kingcombe
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