All images © Gordana Johnson
Not being a great believer in photographing places with groups, with some doubts I joined Judy’s walk through Morden-Sutton-Croydon along the river Wandle. And it turned out to be one of my most enjoyable walks. Our small group sometimes spread out, sometimes flocked together, never in each other’s way. The objects of our interest may have been the same, but the way and how we saw them were different. The second walk in Romford , in a group of 4, proved to be exciting, too. Now a convert, I’m looking forward to our future walks. Besides a sociable side of walking in a group, sharing knowledge about nature is its most valuable aspect.
A few points on the very walks. The first walk following the river Wandle through three boroughs of Morden, Sutton and Croydon surprised me with its diversity, from man -made landscapes, natural wilderness , meadows, fishing and ornamental lakes to playgrounds. All the way people were enjoying themselves now when, according to Judy, a few years ago the crystal clear Wandle used to be a dumping river for all sorts of household rubbish.
Images: Morden Hall Park, Ducks on Waddon Ponds, The Grange Gardens
The second walk through Bedfords, Havering and Pyrgo Parks ( Romford ) were slightly of a different nature and less diverse. In some parts of Havering Park I got the impression of walking through a forest. Beside native species, Havering Country Park had redwood trees brought from California. I had never seen them before. Pyrgo Park and to some extent Havering Country Park left me with a real feeling of walking through countryside with its vast swathes of golden fields and grazing meadows. And the places were hardly 20 miles from Central London. Fewer dogs but more cows and horses were seen. On both walks English heritage was present. Unlike the first walk in the south, this one needed a transport to get from one park to another. And Adrian was kind to offer it.
To sum up: our group walks are beneficial socially, educationally, physically and mentally and the Breathing London project covers them all.
Images:
View over Bedfords Park and a Water Tower from The Green, Havering Country Park-Conservation Grazing, Pyrgo Park, Pyrgo Park-Iron Gatespost, a remnant of the 19th c Victorian Mansion
Feature Image: Havering Country Park, Redwood Trees (Wellingtonia Avenue)
