Following a series of complaints about the large numbers of dogs being let loose on One Tree Hill by a few commercial dog walkers, the London Borough of Southwark is looking at a Dog Control Order for the Hill. This would require dog walkers to clean up after their dogs, keep their dog on a lead and limit the number of dogs that a single person could be in charge of.
A copy of the Dog Control Order is available on the Documents page. Also the FrOTH response, published in SE23.com.
FrOTH are not against people walking their dogs on the hill, but we are concerned about balance. The hill is an open space designated for everyone. It is a Local Nature Reserve. People are discouraged and the woodland area is being damaged by such a large number of dogs without adequate control
Van/dogs ... dog/tree
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Maintenance
FrOTH continually are looking for ways of maintaining and improving access to the woods. We are looking to get the paths improved or re-laid. The steps in some places are rather wonky and it would be very difficult for anyone in a wheel chair or with a pram to get to the top of the hill, where, after all, there are some dramatic views.
Repairs and improvements
There is also the occasional breakage and a little bit of vandalism. Here we can see that the handrail has been ripped off. We look to replace or repair damaged items to maintain the woods for people to be able to visit.
More Signs
Southwark have helpfully put up some signs, but we would like some more substantial boards giving particular information about the woods.
Work day - clearing the overgrowth
Workday - birdboxes
An Active Membership
We continue to try and encourage people to become active members of the group, to help maintain this bit of countryside in London. The woods have a wildlife and historic interest and provide a wonderful resource for local people. People of all ages come and join in our workdays, from clearing overgrown vegetation to cleaning or making bird boxes.