Thamesmead's Hidden Gem

Thamesmead boasts many beautiful open spaces, lakes and 7km of canal which is home to a number of wildlife. This on top of Thamesmead’s hidden gem, Tump 53.

Just a stone’s throw away from Thamesmead Town Centre, the nature reserve which is owned and managed by Gallions, part of the Peabody Group, is a former munitions testing site which was reclaimed for nature.

Containing mixed woodland, a glade, pond and surrounded by a reed-fringed moat, Tump 53 is home to many types of wildlife. More than 60 bird species alone have been spotted at this unique site, including kingfisher, willow warbler and redpoll.

The Peabody Group has already invested £500,000 into the upkeep of the canal system in Thamesmead and will be investing a further £2.5k into the nature reserve over the next six months, opening it up to residents as part of fortnightly sessions offered by London Wildlife Trust.

This follows-on from November 2013 when Gallions, Trust Thamesmead and London Wildlife Trust won £50,000 from a People’s Millions public vote for their Wild About Thamesmead project. Funding enabled the employment of two part-time officers and the purchase of equipment to open up the site to local families, school groups and volunteers. More than 1200 individuals have walked through Tump 53’s door since then, often returning for repeat visits, allowing them to enjoy and share this fantastic space.

Stephen Howlett, Chief Executive, Peabody said: “Peabody is delighted to be investing in not only residents but the local wildlife and biodiversity offered in Thamesmead. We hope as many people as possible get to sample this hidden gem which is right on your doorstep.”

Only last weekend, a ribbitt-ing good time was had by all at Tump 53’s Frog Day event, where Thamesmead residents got close to nature whilst taking part in pond dipping, puppet shows and cupcake and mask making.