Steering Group Update – September 2026
The Friends of Oxleas Woodlands Steering Group met on 2 September to review progress across our conservation work, membership, finances and future plans. Here are some of the key updates.
Growing membership and volunteering
Membership continues to rise, reaching 622 members, an increase of 10 since the previous Steering Group meeting in June.
Volunteering is also thriving. We have received 81 new volunteer enquiries since the start of the year, compared with 58 at the same point in 2025. Sign-up and attendance figures have also improved significantly, while long-term volunteer retention remains strong.
Finances remain healthy
Our closing bank balance at the end of August was £18,292.61, compared with £15,984.55 at the start of the year. The Steering Group also approved expenditure on tools, supported partly by a Parks Forum grant, and the entry fees for this year's London in Bloom awards.
Conservation across the woodlands
Work continues across our volunteer groups. The Tuesday group has been clearing bracken and bramble from the glade behind Berry Hill, while the Friday group has prepared a new area for coppicing. The Shooters Hill Woodlands Working Party has returned to improving pond protection.
Planning is also underway for the next coppicing season. The new coupe has been selected adjacent to, and south of, last season's area. Preparatory work is taking place in September, with coppicing due to begin at the end of October.
The Conservation Planning Group will arrange a site visit to Deansfield to consider the area and its potential for restoration. Discussions are also continuing with Thames21 about future water management work.
Woodland Gardens and London in Bloom
Work in Jackwood House Garden has continued, with Virginia creeper removed from the terrace, allowing the magnolia to benefit from the clearance. The gardens and woodlands are also preparing for the London in Bloom awards, with judging scheduled for 18 September.
Tree Mapping and other projects
The Steering Group agreed that the first stage of the Tree Mapping initiative should take the form of a tree walk, with scope to develop the project further in the future. This will provide an opportunity to encourage more people to explore the woodlands and discover their trees.
Other discussions included commemorative benches, a possible refresh of the Severndroog walk, and ongoing liaison with local organisations and partners.
Governance and safety
The search for a new Steering Group Secretary continues, and members interested in helping with the role are encouraged to get in touch. The group is also considering how best to manage the Health and Safety Coordinator responsibilities, as the position remains vacant. Seeking grant funding for a portable defibrillator was another possibility raised.
The Friends will also be submitting a response to the Royal Borough of Greenwich's review of the Local Plan.
Looking ahead
With membership growing, volunteer engagement increasing and another coppicing season about to begin, there is plenty happening across the woodlands. Thank you to everyone who gives their time, skills and support to help protect and improve this special landscape.
