June 2025

The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group’s annual Wanstead Wildlife Weekend returns this month with a diverse programme of free nature activities. James Heal reports

WWW stands for the Wanstead Wildlife Weekend (apparently, also something about the world wide web, but this is much more enjoyable). The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group has been organising this set of activities almost annually for a few years now. A midsummer weekend of nature-themed, family-friendly and free activities in Wanstead Park and on Wanstead Flats.

This year, the weekend will run from the evening of Friday 20 June to the afternoon of Sunday 22 June. At the time of writing, we are still finalising the exact running order of events, but it will include things like bat detecting, revealing moths from a light trap, invertebrate recording, studying bees and wasps, a spider survey, pond dipping, a lichen walk and butterfly transect showcase, as well as a couple of stalls, some child-friendly mini beast stories and a wildflower walk.

Some of the activities, such as the pond dipping, will be well suited to families with children and others, such as the spider surveying, will, perhaps, appeal more to those who would like to get more involved with invertebrate recording.

With the continued advances in phone cameras, AI identification tools and accessible and high-quality identification guides in books and online, wildlife recording is becoming increasingly accessible to the interested amateur and we are keen to promote and celebrate this.

It is a great way to get to know the wild places in your local area a little better and dip your toe into the incredible diversity of life that can be found on our doorstep. For example, did you know that inside the small holes on dusty pathways live solitary bees and wasps? Did you know we have rare spiders hiding in amongst the oak leaves and grasses all around us? And did you know that it is possible to catch the nymphs of some of our most beautiful dragonflies in the ponds in our park?

In the years that I have been regularly recording wildlife locally, I have never ceased to be amazed by the diversity we have here and how I can still be shocked and surprised by some of the animals that show up: finding a Siberian migrant (a Yellow-browed Warbler) calling on Wanstead Flats, watching an Osprey fly over my house, watching and photographing a pair of otters in the River Roding, regularly finding a species of spider in my garden that is considered nationally rare. These are just a tiny handful of over 1,000 different species – from mammals to mites – that I have recorded in our local area.

If you would like to find out more about the wildlife around us, please come and join us this month for the WWW.

For more information on Wanstead Wildlife Weekend events, visit wnstd.com/wren

Last September’s changes to local bus routes impacted the lives of many residents. In the fifth of a series of articles, Elli Taylor explains the consequences for her family’s wellbeing and mental health

My husband and I have a son who is seven years old and autistic. We have lived in Wanstead most of our lives; we wanted to be close to my parents and liked the amazing bus network that used to work very well, when the buses ran every 15 minutes. I am totally reliant on these buses as I do not drive. We used the buses on a daily basis, for shopping, doctor and hospital appointments, errands and trips out just for a bus ride.

We didn’t hear about the bus route changes before they happened last September, and then suddenly, there was no bus and no one knew which bus to take. So, when I heard about the bus campaign opposing the changes whilst I was at the market on the High Street, I signed the petition and offered to help. I believe the buses are essential to live our lives independently.

No consideration has been given to the local community with the withdrawal and changes to the bus routes. My son is a wheelchair user (for his own safety); he used to love getting on the bus to go to the park. He would say hello to the driver – which is amazing for a non-verbal child, and hearing this would make my day – and give high fives to the other passengers! Not making these trips has had a huge detrimental effect on our wellbeing and mental health.

The last time we took the bus (W13), we waited 50 minutes; we were late for an appointment because of the delay. My son had the biggest meltdown during this time, hitting himself and repeatedly screaming: “Bus, bus bus!”

Doing shopping is a nightmare now, again something my son used to enjoy – bus trip, shopping, treat and bus trip home. The previous W12 (now W14) used to run every 15 minutes, then it became every 20 minutes, then every 30 minutes, and now, disgracefully, it’s every hour. We are struggling and feel let down by TfL and the Mayor of London, who says people should use public transport, but how can we? No one can wait on the streets for an hourly bus, especially in bad weather. What we went through over the winter is unforgivable.

We needed the service to care for my mother-in-law, who was very poorly with motor neurone disease. But not being able to get a regular bus was just too upsetting for my son, and I can do without the added stress for us both. Most of the time we have to struggle by walking, as waiting for the bus is still a nightmare; it’s impossible to wait for a bus for up to an hour! We used to use all three buses (W12, W13 and W14) regularly; now, nothing!

To join the Save Our Local Bus Services campaign WhatsApp group, visit wnstd.com/buswa

To view the petition, visit wnstd.com/bus

The delayed construction of the Wanstead Leisure Centre extension is now in its final phases.

The new building will house a 25-metre swimming pool, dance studios, accessible changing rooms, reception area and new classrooms for Wanstead High School.

“We appreciate the support and patience shown by the community and Wanstead High School as we work to provide this vital infrastructure,” said the Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Kam Rai.

The £16m project is now expected to be completed this winter.

Art Group Wanstead members will hold an open-air studio sale on 15 June.

“It is important to have creativity in our lives; it’s therapeutic, confidence-boosting, community-building and can make you see the world differently,” said group founder Donna Mizzi.

The event will take place on the front lawn of The Limes, High Road, South Woodford (opposite Electric Gallery), with stalls offering artwork, craft materials, beads, jewellery and pre-loved items.

“If it rains, we’ll postpone to the following Sunday.”

Visit wnstd.com/art

Redbridge Council started rolling out a £4.2m programme of road and footway resurfacing works last month.

“We know that good quality roads and pavements are important to local people, and potholes are a regular source of frustration. This capital investment is therefore very welcome,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

More than 50 areas across the borough – including a number of roads in Wanstead and Aldersbrook – will benefit from the scheme, which will also include street lighting improvements and flood alleviation measures.

A landmark moment for Redbridge as the borough prepares to host its first-ever Pride celebration – a powerful step towards equality and inclusion, says 14-year-old Wanstead resident Riku Fryderyk

The Pride parade in London has for 50 years been at the forefront of Pride Month celebrations in our capital city, with this massive event being the biggest of any city in the UK. Last year, the Redbridge Rainbow Community took part in the march between Hyde Park Corner and Trafalgar Square. It’s always brilliant to see smaller communities in towns and cities celebrating their individual diverse LGBTQIA+ population and showing support for an often marginalised minority.

That’s why the very first Redbridge Pride event is such an important milestone in the progress of pushing for equality in our borough. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to make themselves seen and heard in Redbridge and to ensure those living within the borough feel safe to express their true selves.

Three months ago, I attended a Pride History Month event at Parliament, where Wes Streeting MP had been invited to speak to members of Redbridge Council and the Redbridge Rainbow Community, which is organising this Redbridge Pride. He said with the borough having been a difficult place in which to be an open member of the community for a long time, it was truly incredible to see how far things have progressed. But there is still much room for improvement and community safety is at the heart of this.

The seeds of the future are being sown this year on Saturday 12 July at Redbridge Town Hall, with music, food and stalls. Two highlights – among a full timetable of great fun – include a workshop by Bollyqueer – a dance class which centres on queer and trans people – and a performance by Tyra Missoux. This event is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, along with individual donors. It looks set to be a truly fantastic day that could be followed in later years with even bigger events – this is only the beginning. With recent changes to the law through the Supreme Court ruling, we are so grateful that we have a chance to celebrate our community’s existence with such a powerful event.

The Redbridge Rainbow Community advocates for the social inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in Redbridge, working with various public services so they can fully account for the community’s needs and public authorities to reduce incidents, as well as creating a safe space for residents of the borough to share their experience and make suggestions for change. The charity has been pouring a large amount of effort into this event and they encourage both members and allies alike to come along, and in doing so, become a part of Redbridge’s rich and ever-growing history.

Redbridge Pride 2025 will take place at the Town Hall, Ilford, IG1 1DD on 12 July from 12.30pm to 6pm (free). For more information, visit wnstd.com/pride

Redbridge Cycling Campaign will lead a 30-mile bike ride from Wanstead Park into central London this month.

“We will use a quiet route in and out of the centre and cycle down The Mall, alongside Green Park and around Hyde Park. The ride will be gently paced and marshalled throughout,” said a spokesperson.

The free event will depart from the park’s tea hut at 10am on 15 June, returning by 5pm. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic. Less experienced riders and accompanied children are welcome.

Visit wnstd.com/rcc

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands took part in a stakeholders’ site visit and feedback session last month.

“It was an opportunity to discuss options for a refresh of the comprehensive Parkland Plan adopted by the City of London in 2019… We were particularly pleased to meet Alison O’Connor, the new dedicated Wanstead Park Project Officer. The day was a welcome sign of the commitment of interested parties in keeping the Wanstead Park project moving despite the obstacles we have faced,” said a spokesperson.

Redbridge Council’s public health team has launched a questionnaire about local pharmacy services.

“This review will help us understand whether local pharmacy services meet the needs of residents and identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement. By sharing your views, you’ll help us ensure that pharmacy services remain… responsive to the needs of the community,” said a spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/phrm

Wanstead Bowling Club hosted a successful open day last month, with visitors of all ages trying their hand on the Overton Drive green.

“The day was a huge success. More than 60 people came along with 10 new members signing up, an amazing conversion rate… The 2025 season is now underway, with our men’s team competing in four leagues and the ladies’ team in two leagues, plus individual members taking part in regional and representative competitions,” said a club spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/bowling

Residents have claimed a small but significant victory in their campaign against TfL’s changes to local bus routes last September.

“TfL has reinstated the stops on Wanstead Place and Woodbine Place for the W14, something they originally insisted on delaying until the summer. But the Save Our Local Bus Services campaign – with help from Calvin Bailey MP and London Assembly Member Keith Prince – has ensured these vital stops are back on the route. The fight will continue until we see all the improvements needed,” said Liz Martins.

The Aldersbrook Jumble Trail Festival will return on 14 June.

Organised by the Aldersbrook Primary School PTA, the event invites residents to set up a stall outside their homes to sell pre-loved items. “For the first time, we’re also opening the school playground for stalls – perfect for anyone who can’t host outside their home. Whether you’re selling a little or a lot, we welcome everyone to join the fun!” said a spokesperson.

All registered stallholders (from £7) will be added to the online trail map. Visit wnstd.com/ajtf25