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Green Spaces

Football pitch visible behind trees, shrubs and ancient pond at centre of the playing fields.

Calls to scrap plans for crumb rubber football pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Lewisham council have raised a planning application for a 3G football pitch at the playing fields, which include protected nature conservation areas. But local campaigners are calling for a halt and health impact assessment.

Letter in paint, "Janet Daby, PLEASE, I BEG YOU to go to the National Emergency Briefing .."

'Janet Daby, I beg you' - Is your MP going to the National Emergency Briefing?

Over 1000 UK scientists have written to MPs urging them to attend the briefing on 27 November, which will highlight the accelerating dangers of climate and nature breakdown.

Canada geese flying over the Whitefoot Lane playing fields towards the pond.

Whitefoot Lane, Downham: risk of serious harms to children's health from planned football pitch

Downham GP Dr Helen Tattersfield raises concerns over potential "serious detrimental effects" of microplastics on young players' health, as well as the risks to nature.

Tree in front of the Green Woman Oasis pond with playing fields visible in the background.

Green Woman Oasis project, Downham: the community had a plan for health and nature - what happened?

Downham Community Land Trust and local GPs had plans to open up Whitefoot Lane playing fields and start addressing health inequalities. Previous Lewisham mayor Damian Egan supported their vision. But Lewisham council plans to transfer the lease this week, finally destroying their hopes.

Pond in shaft of sunlight, surrounded by trees with fence and playing fields in background.

"Ecological vandalism": plans for artificial grass football pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Community groups condemn Lewisham council's stewardship of the playing fields, which has allowed the ancient pond to dry out and progressed the plan for a 3G football pitch which will "dump microplastics into a nature reserve". They fear transfer of the site's lease will make things worse.