Editor

Eastwood Green, off George Lane, now features a tapestry lawn, which is a perfect alternative to real and plastic grass, says local gardener Stephanie Derby. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

In the last issue, I wrote about what the South Woodford Society is doing to help pollinators at Eastwood Green. As well as beautiful flowers, we’ve now created a ‘tapestry lawn’ in front of the bench by the Birch tree.

You might think “what on earth is a tapestry lawn?” Well, it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional grass lawns, which comprises a variety of low-growing plants that suit the conditions of the garden. They need very little to no mowing and can be a gorgeous addition to the garden, especially when using plants that carpet the ground with flowers. As a garden designer, customers often complain about their lawns, whether it’s the high maintenance or the fact they dry out during a drought. Interestingly, ornamental grass lawns originate from aristocracy and it is thought the first one was created at the Palace of Versailles! The idea spread to England and signified wealth, as only the richest could afford to maintain grass purely for aesthetic purposes. Almost all gardens now have some space dedicated to a lawn but many people are now seeking alternatives. 

The past few years has seen a rise in people opting for artificial grass. When asked, 31% say they didn’t want the upkeep of a natural lawn. This is understandable, but plastic grass has many downsides. Aside from the environmental damage it causes, there are health implications too. For instance, artificial grass is made with dangerous levels of PFAs, also known as ‘forever chemicals’. When absorbed or inhaled, these chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects and many other serious health problems. Studies have shown people playing sports on artificial grass are likely to be coated with higher levels of these chemicals and children can be particularly vulnerable as they tend to be in closer contact. What better reason to always opt for real plants over plastic! In recent months, the trend for plastic grass is waning as people are discovering the negatives outweigh the benefits. Demand in the UK in 2023 was down by 66% compared to 2021. 

At Eastwood Green, we created a small tapestry lawn to show people they can create one in their own gardens. Ours is a little wild, as it is maintained ad-hoc by volunteers, but we’ve planted a variety of plants suited to sunny, dry and exposed conditions, and they are thriving. The plants include Chamomile, Creeping Thyme and our beautiful native Harebell. When walked on, these plants release oils that emit gorgeous fragrances, and they are incredibly soft underfoot. This lawn stays green in the height of a dry summer, and never needs to be mown. In summer, the lawn erupts with dainty purple Harebells that are a fantastic nectar source for bees. This mosaic of plants is just one of endless combinations that could be tried in your own garden. I am confident in saying tapestry lawns are a fantastic alternative to both real and plastic lawns. Please do pop over to Eastwood Green and check out what we’ve done.

To help with Eastwood Green gardening, email e18society@gmail.com

For more information on gardening and tapestry lawns, follow Stephanie on Instagram @stephanietaraderby

Rain gardens are helping to reduce flood risks across Redbridge while boosting biodiversity.

“The eco-friendly water drainage systems feature plants, shrubs and other greenery and are designed to absorb rainwater and drain it away slowly to help stop sewer systems from becoming overwhelmed,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

There are now 11 rain gardens across the borough – including one on Malford Grove in South Woodford – which have the capacity to collectively absorb and store around 113,400 litres of rainwater.

Staff from Woodbridge High School will be taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride this September.

“We will be raising money for Great Western Air Ambulance in memory of our colleague, Moyra Whelan, who lost her life in a road traffic collision in the Cotswolds in November 2022. Great Western Air Ambulance were deployed, but she sadly passed away. We have maintained a great relationship with the charity and are attempting to raise £10,000 for them,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/whscycle

The South Woodford Society is seeking more members of the community to help organise future events.

“From South Woodford’s Summer Festival to our Christmas lights switch-on and all the gardening days, repair cafés and litter picks in between, these events are wholly organised by local volunteers. We work hard behind the scenes to keep them running and it would be such a great help to have more residents involved to share the tasks and give fresh input,” said a spokesperson.

Email e18society@gmail.com

Auditions for Woodford Pantomime’s next show took place in June.

“After a fantastic turnout and a great showcase of talent at our auditions, our production of Sleeping Beauty has been cast. The whole team is now eagerly awaiting the start of rehearsals in September and looking forward to seeing the show take shape,” said a spokesperson.

The panto – the group’s 62nd annual performance – will run for 12 days at the Sir James Hawkey Hall, opening on 1 January.

Tickets go on sale in September. Visit swvg.co.uk/wpanto

Residents will be able to get their clothes and household items fixed for free with the return of the South Woodford Repair Café on 20 July.

“From small electrical appliances to jeans and bicycles, there are plenty of items that can be salvaged from landfill and given a new lease of life. There will also be a toy swap, information stalls from local community groups and free refreshments available throughout the session,” said a spokesperson. The event runs from 10am to 1pm at Woodford Memorial Hall, 207 High Road.

Visit swvg.co.uk/repair

A local swan rescue volunteer has been praised for her work by the BBC Springwatch Wildlife Hero Awards.

“I’ve been a rescuer for The Swan Sanctuary for many years, and through this I have built up a great network of supporters. This year, many of them messaged to say they had nominated me for the award, and I was greatly surprised when the Springwatch team got in touch to say I was on the shortlist!” said Gill Walker, who was one of 32 finalists from over 1,750 nominations.

To report an injured swan, call 07970 404 866

A disability awareness festival will take place on Christ Church Green in Wanstead on 17 July.

“Audiences will be entertained by outstanding disabled talent, Paralympians and star guests Rozalla, Baby D and Alison Limerick,” said a spokesperson for One Place East.

The Disability Festival in the Park – taking place from 12 noon to 7pm (free entry) – will also feature workshops, games and crafts.

Visit swvg.co.uk/ope 

The Chingford & Woodford Green constituency will continue to be represented by the Conservative Party in parliament, with Sir Iain Duncan Smith re-elected as the MP.

Having held the seat since it was created in 1997, the former Tory leader increased his majority by 3,495 votes, although his share of the vote was down from 48.5% in 2019 to 35.6% in yesterday’s election.

“Working together, we’ve delivered on our shared priorities,” said Sir Iain Duncan Smith in a pre-election statement, citing the repair of Broadmead Road bridge as a local priority he will fight for.

Second and third place candidates were Labour’s Shama Tatler and the independent candidate Faiza Shaheen respectively, with just 79 votes separating them. Faiza Shaheen had previously been the Labour candidate, but was dropped by the party in the run-up to the election, causing a split in the Labour vote.

The Liberal Democrats received just 2.6% of the vote, down from 5.7% in 2029, leaving them in last place behind Reform and the Greens.

The Leyton and Wanstead constituency will continue to be represented by Labour in parliament, with Calvin Bailey elected as the new MP.

The former Royal Air Force pilot won the seat with a 13,964 vote majority, a reduction of 6,844 compared to his predecessor John Cryer.

“I am passionate about education and opportunities for our young people in Leyton and Wanstead,” said Bailey in a pre-election statement, citing the delivery of a new Whipps Cross Hospital and opportunities for the next generation as his top priorities.

The Green Party increased their vote share, up from 4.1% in 2019 to 15.5% in yesterday’s election, pushing their candidate Charlotte Lafferty into second place.

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats saw their vote share drop, finishing third and fifth respectively, with independent candidate Shanell Johnson earning a 9.5%  share of the vote to take fourth place.

Inspector Chris Russell, who oversees neighbourhood policing for north Redbridge, reflects on the Hainault sword attack and emphasises his desire for police officers to earn trust in the community

Hello again from your Neighbourhood Inspector for north Redbridge. I was asked following my last article in March: “What does north Redbridge actually cover?” So, to clarify, I cover all Redbridge wards north of the A12 (plus Wanstead Park ward).

In April, we saw the horrific sword attack in Hainault where 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin tragically lost his life on his way to school. Four other people suffered serious injuries, including two police officers, who were bravely protecting the public and attempting to arrest the attacker. My Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNT) were on scene within minutes, along with colleagues from emergency response and the town centre teams, and the suspect was arrested and taken to custody. He has since been charged and remanded to prison and now awaits trial. My thoughts go out to all those who were affected by this horrendous crime and continue to piece their lives back together since that awful day. For anyone who would like support following the attack, whether directly or indirectly impacted, please call Victim Support (0808 168 9111), who offer a range of services that may help.

In the aftermath of the attack, we immediately ensured Hainault and the surrounding areas received additional, daily reassurance patrols, along with setting up the Hainault Engagement Hub at Hainault Library in collaboration with our partners from the council. This provided a fixed location the community could attend to speak with local officers. We also held discussions with local faith leaders, schools and at youth engagement events, and door-knocked in the area so everyone could access a police officer and raise any concerns they had.

Policing does not work in isolation, and we are reliant on you, the public and our partners in almost everything we do. Community engagement and partnership work are the foundations of what neighbourhood policing is all about and are key in maintaining the Peelian principles of policing by consent. Although much has changed since the creation of the Metropolitan Police Act back in 1829 (often referred to as the creation of modern-day policing), Sir Robert Peel’s principles remain just as relevant today and form the basis of what my neighbourhood teams do. 

We have fantastic officers working in Redbridge who care deeply about improving your quality of life. We attend a variety of community events to see as many of you as possible and hear about your concerns and ideas for safety in your local area. Policing is only successful if we have your support and trust, and I am very conscious that trust is earned.

South Woodford’s SNT will be hosting a 45-minute ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ session at Starbucks on 10 July from 1pm. To contact local police, visit swvg.co.uk/police

The benefits of fitness are well-recognised, yet for individuals with autism and special educational needs, accessing appropriate exercise opportunities remains a challenge, says local resident Julia Morgan

Recent data shows people with disabilities are 12% more likely to be obese, facing heightened health risks. Furthermore, children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Key Stage 4 are 20% less active than their peers. With approximately 700,000 people in the UK on the autism spectrum and a growing trend in autism diagnosis, there is an urgent need to address this discrepancy.

Despite increasing awareness, many individuals with SEND face barriers to traditional fitness activities. This disparity can be due to a number of reasons, including their health needs or confidence; however, insufficient opportunities with trained professionals who can adapt exercises to their unique needs is undoubtedly a significant barrier. Inclusive and accessible fitness solutions are so vital to address this. It’s not that people with SEND can’t do exercise; it’s that the environment and expertise isn’t available or utilised. Gyms and PE lessons often leave those with SEND wandering and wondering in inaccessible and unsensory-friendly environments.

Exercise offers numerous benefits for people with SEND beyond the physical, as it is also proven to help reduce anxiety, improve mood and increase self-esteem. It can also enhance a range of other aspects, including social interaction, body awareness, motor coordination, communication, academic performance and reducing behaviours such as stimming (repetitive movements or noises). There is no question exercise makes everything better, as one parent said: “It is so rewarding to see my son getting stronger and more coordinated. We also love to see the relationships he is making with the other participants. It’s truly making a big difference.”

Including fitness in the daily routine of individuals with SEND can be transformative. One effective approach is integrating short exercise sessions into the day. Activities such as morning stretches, midday walks or evening dance sessions can be enjoyable. Schools and community centres can play a pivotal role by making exercise accessible through thoughtful adaptation. Sensory-friendly environments with controlled lighting and sound levels can make a difference. Using visual schedules and clear instructions can help individuals understand and follow routines. Additionally, employing specialised instructors can ensure exercises are appropriately modified, safe and accessible.

In conclusion, addressing the fitness inequality gap and the fitness needs of SEND individuals is not just about promoting health; it’s about ensuring inclusivity and equality. By creating accessible and supportive environments, we can help everyone to reap the numerous benefits of exercise, leading to a healthier, truly inclusive society.

Julia is a qualified autism exercise specialist, SENCo and personal trainer. For more information and advice, email FitForAll.UK@hotmail.com