Lampeter Square gardening + cleanup day

On Saturday 11 May 2024, volunteers from the estate planted 5 jasmine, 1 honeysuckle, 1 clematis, 7 black-eyed susan, 6 nasturtiums, and added a new obelisk. They also removed weeds, picked up litter, tidied the hedges, and scraped the flaky paint off the railings in preparation for painting on another weekend. Thanks very much to Idverde's community engagement and volunteering officer for supplying tools, materials, and manpower.

On 12 September 2024 a follow-up event was organised to paint the railings.

Wentworth Court community garden

The empty paved space next to Wentworth Court sheltered housing has been transformed into a new enclosed garden with access to Wentworth Court residents. It was funded by the resident-led Investment Group through a Housing Estates Improvement Project.

The high, overgrown wall next to Paynes Walk has been removed and replaced with a wrought iron fence, allowing neighbouring residents and passers-by to enjoy the garden and increased light. Security is increased through improved sight lines, while a trellis protects Wentworth Court's privacy.

Flowering border along sports area

The north border along the the sunken sports area on Ancill Close, along Bayonne Park, has been neglected and overgrown with ivy for years.

Over the course of 2021-2022, volunteers gradually removed the ivy from the borders (leaving it on the fence), and planted perennial flowers and shrubs, keeping it weed-free and watered over the summer. The flowers should come back more numerous and stronger every year, greatly improving this pedestrian route.

H&F Urban Ecology Trail

In 2021 Hammersmith & Fulham hosted its inaugural Climate Carnival in the week leading up to COP26 – the United Nations’ climate conference in Glasgow. The Bayonne Estate was included in the urban ecology trail, showcasing environmental improvement projects the council helped to deliver around the borough.

Posters were put up around the estate and a walking trail created at bit.ly/bayonnetrail. We were also featured in a short film, showcasing the efforts of volunteers engaging in local climate action.

Ancill Close wildflower meadow

Expanding the protected wildflower area created in 2018, the entire lawn at the corner of Crefeld Close and Ancill Close was left unmowed in 2021 to create a beautiful wildflower meadow, improving biodiversity and benefiting birds and pollinating insects. This supports the LBHF Council's efforts to be the greenest borough in the country, including No Mow May this year. Photo gallery • Species poster

Crefeld Close playground renovation

The playground on Crefeld Close, originally created through the efforts of the late Rene Davis, had for years been unusable due to the deterioration of the rubber surfacing and old play equipment.

Thanks to the resident-led Investment Group and a Place Environmental Rejuvenation Programme grant, the playground was completely renewed in Spring 2021 by Idverde, with new rubber surfacing, 7 play activities, and new biodiverse planting. Photo gallery

New playground for Lampeter Square

In Summer 2021 a barren corner of Lampeter Square was transformed into a colourful new pirate-themed playground for under-12s, thanks to the resident-led Investment Group and a Place Environmental Rejuvenation Programme grant, in partnership with Idverde.

All residents will benefit from the removal of a neglected eyesore and a space that previously encouraged anti-social behaviour. Families will gain a place nearby for their children to play. Users of the playground – both children and carers – will meet one another and socialise, contributing to community cohesion and neighbourliness. Photo gallery

Lavender hedge around multi-sports area

During February and March 2021, volunteers from the estate cleared the weeds and ivy from the east and west sides of the sports area. These borders have been a neglected eye-sore for years.

On 17 April volunteers came together to plant a lavender hedge on both sides, thanks to a generous donation of 140 plants from Idverde, as well as a rose and 2 clematis. The lavender will look attractive for years with relatively little maintenance, while also providing food for bees and other insects. Photo gallery

Sakura Project: cherry tree avenue

As part of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020, the Sakura Project donated 1000s of cherry trees for public parks and community projects across the UK, to celebrate friendship and cooperation between the UK and Japan. In Nov 2020 we planted 7 trees along the pedestrian path on the Ancill Close / Everington Street corner: 3 Tai-haku "Great White", 3 pink-flowered Beni-Yutaka, and 1 Yedoensis, which has edible cherries enjoyed by birds. Photo gallery

Ancill Close / Everington Street corner

Thanks to the resident-led Investment Group, funded by the LBHF Council Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, in 2019 we removed the dense shrubbery that was causing a safety risk, laid a new lawn and planted 7 flowering hawthorn trees. Photo gallery

Crefeld Close Peace Garden

Thanks to the resident-led Investment Group, funded by the LBHF Council Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, in June 2019 we tidied up this litter-strewn corner and installed a new fence. 3 birch trees were planted to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. Photo gallery 

During winter 2020, 4 hydrangea shrubs were added, and a small rowan tree (donated by the Woodland Trust.) Another hydrangea was added in 2024. The tree base is maintained by volunteers.

Community planting day

In November 2018 neighbours got together to plant daffodil bulbs and wildflower seeds around the estate. A protected wildflower area was created.

On 1 December 2019 we did it again. Daffodils, crocuses and bluebells were planted in Crefeld Close, Ancill Close, Paynes Walk and Oakley Walk, as well as 4 small trees. 

On 7 November 2020 we planted more daffodils in Ancill Close, Crefeld Close, and Everington Street.

Tree watering signs

LBHF Council have planted many new trees around the estate, some in response to TRA requests. However, young trees need regular watering, or else they might die. This is especially important during hot weather. We installed signs on the trees to remind residents how they can help.

New directional signage and maps

The estate maps, and signs showing the street names and flat numbers, were badly deteriorated and often illegible. Visitors often struggled to find addresses. In 2020, the TRA arranged for all the maps and signs to be replaced, overseeing their designs and placement.