The Dulwich Society - The Dulwich Society
The News
About The Trees Sub-Committee
Trees make a vital contribution to our local environment. The Committee’s role is to monitor and protect local trees and to promote interest in their preservation and planting. Our popular illustrated tree map of the local area ‘Remarkable Trees’ was originally sent free to members and remains on sale locally.
We actively identify and promote sites for the new planting of trees in Dulwich Park, Belair Park, the Horniman Triangle and other locations. We support the local Council’s attempts to introduce additional street trees and, most recently we organised the additional planting of whips of the endangered native ‘Black Poplar’ in Long Meadow - an area where we also finally persuaded the Council to stop mowing all the grass and let the buttercups flower.
The Committee meets at least three times a year and regular contributions are made to the Society’s Journal with articles, and photos about local trees of interest. Talks and visits are arranged during the year, both locally with a guide/lecturer, and to further afield by coach, for example: to Sheffield Park and Winkworth Arboretum.
Work to any tree on the Dulwich Estate requires the approval of the Scheme of Management and Committee members often accompany the Estate’s tree consultant when he reviews requests by residents for felling and lopping. Subsidence remains a serious problem in the area because of the clay soil, and we actively monitor and query the justification for insurance company requests for tree removal. We also help to identify trees for referral for Tree Preservation Orders and respond to enquires for assistance in identifying appropriate specialist advice.
We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful place and the Chair would be delighted to hear from members who would like to become more involved with the Committee’s works.
Last Updated on Friday, 04 May 2012 10:30
About The Traffic and Transport Sub-Committee
The Society's Traffic and Transport Committee's aims are:
- Local motorists getting around easily
- Less danger, pollution and intrusion of car and lorry traffic, especially commuter traffic through our area
- Safer and more pleasant walking and cycling
- More reliable buses and trains
- Safer routes to train stations and station improvements
- Safer routes to schools
- Traffic calming in residential areas
Current issues include:
- Dulwich Village cross roads. A pedestrian phase is needed.
- North Dulwich station. Needs better frontage and more convenient bus stops
- Safer cycle lanes
- Alleyn Park north
- School journeys - we want a network of safer routes for walking and cycling to school. At present 80% of pupils to the Foundation schools come by car.
The Committee meets about quarterly, with follow up action between meetings. We are always pleased to welcome new members and to hear from Society members who have concerns about traffic and Transport issues. Please telephone Alastair Hanton on 020 8693 2618 in the first instance.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 02:28
About The Wildlife Sub-Committee
We work to record and protect the wildlife of Dulwich and encourage the cooperation of residents in these objects. A form for recording flora and fauna is provided annually in the Dulwich Society Newsletter. We aim to raise awareness locally of many species of plants, birds, insects, amphibians and small mammals which share our urban habitat.
Recording
We take part in local and national bird recording surveys. We have contributed to the national stag beetle survey; in which South London gardens rated very high for this threatened species. We have also taken part in the London ladybird survey.
Pond Survey
We are again conducting our own Pond Survey of Dulwich for the third year in succession. Members who have ponds in their gardens have provided us with valuable information. This year we have been advised by Nicholas Meade of Froglife, London's 'Pond Doctor'.
Cooperation
We support other local organisations which are concerned with wildlife, such as London Wildlife Trust who administer Sydenham Hill Wood Nature Reserve and the Sydenham Hill Station Nature Reserve. We liaise with the Dulwich Society Tree Committee.
Outreach
We have an annual public lecture on a wildlife subject of local interest. Recent subjects have been: hedgehogs, foxes, owls and wildlife gardening. Lively discussions with the lecturers usually follow these talks. This year Nicholas Meade is giving us a walk/talk in Sydenham Hill Wood.
Emergency Help
We can also advise on the care of wounded wild animals and birds; and put people in touch with organisations who will help with these cases. Please ring Angela Wilkes on 020 8693 5789 for information.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 02:28
About The Planning and Architecture Sub-Committee
Mission Statement
To enhance Dulwich's unique character by actively encouraging the highest quality in the built environment and opposing inappropriate development whether individual houses, extensions, hard standings, road signs or fly posting. In doing so the Group recognises that residents' life styles vary and that growth and change are positive forces for the future.
The Group's Activities:
- Monitors all planning applications on the Dulwich Estate and those in Southwark and Lambeth which affect Dulwich.
- Supports the Dulwich Estate in the application of their guidelines and criticises when they depart from them.
- Works in conjunction with the traffic and trees committees to secure a co-ordinated response to any development proposals.
- Encourages contemporary design where appropriate.
- Encourages home owners to use talented architects.
- Assists Society members in objecting to inappropriate development proposals.
- Actively encourages a wide range of retail activity in Dulwich Village, West Dulwich and Herne Hill.
The Group holds monthly meetings to review applications.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 02:28
About The Garden Group
The Dulwich Society Garden Group
The Gardens Group is a special interest group of the Dulwich Society members.
What we do:
- In March each year we publish a 36 page booklet ‘Dulwich Gardens open for Charity’. This booklet gives the date of opening, photographs and other details of over 40 local gardens, which we encourage you to visit. The promotion of these visits is our key activity. Apart from the enjoyment of the gardens, you can learn a lot from these visits. You will find new and interesting plants and find out where and when to plant them. In this ‘going greener’ age you can find out which are the best fruit and vegetables to grow, and where best to grow them.
- A free lecture is arranged each year, usually in March or April. In 2012 Gordon Lucas, Head Gardener of the Horniman’s Museum Gardens is giving an illustrated talk on ‘The Redevelopment of the Horniman’s Museum Gardens’. These are the finest public gardens in our area, but they are 100 years old and in need of substantial refurbishment. Gordon Lucas will explain the many new developments which are designed to realise the educational potential of the gardens as well as better serving a steadily increasing number of visitors. The talk will be given at the new Belair Recreation Centre, Gallery Road, on Thursday, April 19 2012; 7.45 for 8.00pm. Put the date in your diary to-day.
- On Tuesday, June 19 we are arranging a full day’s outing to the Savill Garden at the south eastern end of Windsor Great Park. This includes a tour of the gardens, a river cruise, lunch, tea and other transport. Tickets £45 from Ina Pulleine, 1 Perifield, London, SE21 8NG (Tel. 020 8670 5477 after 11.00am).
If you would like further details of any of our activities please email John Ward on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Last Updated on Sunday, 22 April 2012 18:19