Crayfields Park, a popular mixed-use development in Orpington, Kent, has won a coveted Green Apple Environment Award, as the site was named a ‘Gold Winner’ for its exceptional commitment to the conservation of the local environment.
Crayfields Park, which provides office, industrial, and community space, is part of the Legal and General Investment Management (L&G) Estate for which Bellrock provide facilities management services. The award was presented to Crayfields Park and partners L&G, Bellrock, and JLL at a recent ceremony at The Houses of Parliament.
Conservation excellence: ‘The Big River Cray Clear Up’
The award-winning initiative, “The Big River Cray Clear Up”, formed the cornerstone of Crayfields Park’s conservation efforts. The River Cray, a rare chalk stream and one of only 210 recognised globally, flows through the centre of the site and was the focus of this significant environmental project. Chalk streams are renowned for their biodiversity and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Despite years of volunteer litter-picking efforts, pollution along the river had been rising, prompting the need for a more concerted cleanup effort. The project saw volunteers, including local schoolchildren, address the litter issues that had caused anxiety and safety concerns in the community. Divided into groups, the volunteers cleared substantial amounts of rubbish from the river, including items like supermarket trolleys.
Community and corporate collaboration
The success of the clear-up initiative highlights the powerful impact of community collaboration. Spearheaded by CRA20TEN, a local residents’ group, and supported by the Crayfields Park Management Team—including Bellrock, L&G, and JLL—the event brought together a wide range of partners.
Key contributors included Thames 21, Idverde, South East Rivers Trust, London Fire Brigade, and several community groups such as Friends of Brook Park and Friends of Riverside Gardens & Kent Road Ponds.
Andy Wilson, chairman of CRA20TEN and Bellrock’s Community & Estate Manager for Crayfields, led the project. Reflecting on the initiative’s success, Andy Wilson said,
“The event’s success is a testament to the power of community action. It required a dedicated effort from numerous organisations and volunteers, demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard our local environment.”
A commitment to ongoing conservation
The Green Apple Environment Award not only recognises past efforts but also fuels a continued commitment to conservation at Crayfields Park.
Following the first cleanup, a second event has already taken place involving students and teachers from Riverside School, an SEN school which immediately neighbours Crayfields Park. There are plans for a third event later in 2024 which will further extend participation from local primary schools. This ongoing engagement aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
In alignment with their goal to increase biodiversity by 30% on the estate, Crayfields Park has introduced several sustainable initiatives. These include the installation of fully managed honeybee hives, the creation of a community allotment and orchard, native bulb and wildflower planting, a comprehensive tree management program, and participation in ‘No Mow May’ to further encourage pollinators.
Moreover, Crayfields Park is actively participating in national conservation projects like habitats for hedgehogs, native hedgerow planting, and the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative.
A noteworthy achievement from these efforts is the identification of six different bat species inhabiting the park, underscoring the success of their conservation activities.
Looking ahead
The true value of these efforts lies in the profound benefits they bring to the local environment.
Andy Wilson emphasises the importance of continued community involvement in environmental stewardship. “Together, we can make a lasting difference,” he remarked.
The ‘Big River Cray Clear Up’ serves as a beacon of how community-driven actions, supported by committed stakeholders, can lead to significant environmental improvements, fostering a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful habitat for generations to come.
