Albion Millennium Green is one of 245 Green Spaces that were created in cities, towns and villages across England to celebrate the turn of the Millennium. Established under the Countryside Agency’s Millennium Greens’ scheme and created with financial help from The Millennium Commission and the London Borough of Lewisham, the Green is privately owned by a charitable trust (the Albion Millennium Green Trust) but exists for the enjoyment of all.

The Green is cared for by the Friends of Albion Millennium Green and other local volunteers.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND

The Green consists of about a hectare of land and is primarily intended for informal recreation and relaxation. Its natural assets consist of winding paths through a mix of woodland and meadow, the beginnings of a community orchard where foraging is encouraged, two small ponds, and a labyrinth, created in 2013 by a local artist. Although still relatively young, this small site has a good range of habitats and species present and offers a place of tranquility in a busy part of Lewisham.

We are currently Green Flag Community Award recipients. The Green Flag Community Award recognises high quality green spaces in England and Wales managed by voluntary and community groups.

Dogs and dog walkers are welcome but please remember that the Green must be kept safe and clean because it is used by families with young children.

Please note that we do not have WC or refreshment facilities.

OUR HISTORY

The Green has been in existence since 2000. The site occupies a corner of what was once Sydenham Common. The Common was available to the poor and landless for the grazing of livestock. Sydenham Common was the subject of many disputes between its users and those who wished to enclose the land for private use to improve its agricultural productivity. Variously used as a reservoir feeder for the London to Croydon canal, (which ran through the site), agricultural land and since the early twentieth century, a tennis club, it is still prone to the economic and social pressures of the ever-changing urban landscape that surrounds it. The Green was saved from development as a housing estate by local residents who campaigned vigorously for its transformation into the valuable community resource it is today.