Discover Downham

Event Information

This walk explores some hidden treasures of Downham, in South-East London. As you walk, your guide - a knowledgeable local resident and self-build home owner - will show you sustainable ways of meeting housing need through community self-build timber frame eco - homes.

The route starts at Chinbrook Meadows, a 14 home women-led scheme. It continues along a section of the Green Chain Walk and through Downham's Woodland Walk - a 1.5km stretch of ancient woodland which zigzags between houses, including Nubia Way - a black-led Walter Segal inspired post and beam self-build scheme. The final stretch of the walk takes in more trees, this time in Beckenham Place Park, southeast London's largest park (at 96 hectares). It finishes by the park's swimming lake and barbecue area.

The walk is expected to take approximately 2 hours and is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Some paths will be uneven.

Contributors

Tim Oshodi - The walk leader, Tim Oshodi, is a community-led regeneration consultant specialising in timber eco homes. He is a local resident who knows Downham like the back of his hand and project managed the building of Nubia Way, one of the self-build schemes on the walk. 

Lewisham Council

Lewisham Council officers are working in conjunction with local volunteers to deliver walks through some lesser-known areas of the borough.