About

The Creekside Discovery Centre is run by the Creekside Education Trust, a company with charitable status. Creekside Education Trust (CET) was founded in 1999. The Trust's mission is to work with the local and wider community to sustain and promote the regeneration of Deptford Creek through education, conservation and the forging of partnerships. The CET also aims to act as a voice for nature conservation and biodiversity in the area. CET is committed to the long-term management of Deptford Creek for people and wildlife. Connecting real people with really wild wildlife. The Centre works with others to promote the long term care of the Creek by: - Providing opportunities for access, real information and opportunities to get involved. - Keeping a watchful eye on the flora and fauna and trying to deal with problem issues as they arise. - Provide a focal point and voice for the Creek. Facilitating sessions on local habitats, their management and the value of the local wildlife living there. - Offering ecological planning advice for Creek wall improvements and local habitats to developers and partners. If you are interested in finding out more about CET or would like to get involved in our work, please contact the Creekside Discovery Centre.

Deptford - ‘Deep Ford’ - was named after its tidal Creek. As the tide falls each day it exposes almost a kilometre of riverbed providing an opportunity for adventure and education that can’t be found anywhere else in London. The Creek has a long history of fishing, ship building and dockyards. Trades and industries from chemical works to tidal mills and slaughterhouses have all used its banks. London’s first passenger railway crosses it and Bazelgette’s famous sewage pumping station is alongside it. The Creek’s waters, muddy banks and flood defence walls are home to a wide variety of wildlife including: shrimps, crabs, fish, birds and many species of wild flower. Visit the Creekside Discovery Centre, set in its own wild environment with a living roof and exclusive access to Deptford Creek via a small beach to find out more about this fascinating area.

A wild space with over 200 species of wild flowers, shrubs and trees and a wide variety of invertebrates including butterflies, grasshoppers and crickets… Sue Godfrey Nature Park was established in 1984 after a lengthy campaign by local residents, including Sue Godfrey. It is a council owned site which Creekside Education Trust has the contract to maintain. The space is open to the public and is used by the centre for conservation and educational activities. Management of the site is necessary to maintain the current high diversity of species and habitats. About 75 per cent of the grass is cut every year which prevents trees and shrubs from overrunning the site. The cuttings are removed to keep nutrient levels low; high nutrient levels allow a few vigorous species to dominate at the expense of many others.