Meet the Dockers: Brian Pittendrigh

Beckton resident Brian Pittendrigh leads volunteers for the Beckton Itchycoo Pond Ecology Group (BIPEG). The organisation run by residents is dedicated to improving Itchycoo Pond and the green spaces at Beckton Park, part of Beckton Parks Masterplan. Brian shares the mammoth journey, achievements and challenges involved in restoring Itchycoo Pond to its former glory and making it a valuable community asset for the future.

Itchycoo Pond is in Beckton Park, part of the area’s redevelopments in the 80’s. Initially popular with locals, nature enthusiasts and anglers, the area fell into neglect, deteriorating into a green foul-smelling swamp overrun with weeds, rats and rubbish. It was also a haven for anti-social behaviour so for many years residents avoided the area. I lived on a pathway bordering on the pond, but it was barely visible due to the unmanaged vegetation.

When I retired, I became more aware of the sad state of pond. The rubbish accumulated to such an alarming degree that it motivated myself, my wife Pam and neighbour Martynas to start cleaning up the area. I absolutely love working outdoors, I’m good with practical hands-on stuff and had some amateur experience of water and gardening from keeping koi carp. Previously our busy working lives left no time to be concerned about the park. However, on retirement, we took on the unofficial role of coordinating clearing up the park. We never saw ourselves as volunteers, but rather as stewards to manage this potentially amazing green space.

After a couple of months of work, we had cut through some vegetation and removed most of the debris scattered around the pond. Having got that far, one day whilst sitting around chatting, in a lightbulb moment, we decided to clean up the whole park. This was a massive challenge, so we called on friends and neighbours to help. We removed huge amounts of weeds, brambles, ivy, dead trees, shopping trollies, lumps of concrete and much more. A senior parks department executive at Newham Council, and the council cabinet minister for the environment came to visit. They were so impressed by the clearance and encouraged us to keep going. So, we did.

We aimed to create an inviting space for the community to sit, chill, and enjoy the beauty of nature in an open setting. It took us about a year to fully clear the area around the pond. Recycled seating was created with paving slabs retrieved from the water and tree stumps. We cut back unwanted vegetation, cleared brambles and nettles and laid out a path network. We also removed willows, duckweed, and algae from the pond. However, the water was still unhealthy. The pond had become very eutrophic and smelly due to the gases released by bacteria in the pond muck. There were no longer any fish, frogs, tadpoles, or newts. Only a few creatures braved the green slime. There were a few dragonflies and damselflies around but as the pond vegetation had died off, they too disappeared.

The Newham Council Parks Department sent their trucks to remove all the rubbish generated from our cleanup. There was around 50 tons of waste in the first few months alone. The back-breaking work was done voluntarily by an amazing team of residents. We received a small green grant and for the next few years the rest of the operation was financed from our own pockets and the occasional donation from neighbours. Once this was done, we were able to assess the future works and began to brainstorm a plan.

We decided to look at the long-term development of the area. We planned to improve the park area first and then begin work on improving the health of the water. In 2021, we applied for a People Powered Places (PPP) grant, a Newham budgeting program that involves residents in the decision-making process for how public funds are spent. The community was amazing. They rallied around our application, providing incredible support and a generating a significant number of votes. As a result, we secured the funding. Using this funding we set up a gated wheelchair and buggy access area featuring a hard surface pathway and a viewing deck. We also improved the soil quality and created some formal flower beds. During this time, we also had a fantastic response from residents generously donating plants to establish the greenery around the park.

Last year, in collaboration with other related community groups, we applied for another PPP grant. Fortunately, the voting public liked our proposals, and all three projects that focused on park and pond improvements were successful. The funding was used to dredge the floor of the pond to improve the health of the water system. This enabled us to add water plants. Dredging the pond was difficult, labour intensive and expensive. It also generated unbelievable quantities of waste. It was a huge challenge, but we did it.

It’s all been worth it. There’s so much for visitors to see and enjoy at Itchycoo Pond now. It’s a tranquil welcoming space with regular events such as health walks, gardening sessions, community litter picks and family sessions with Curious by Nature. We now have formal flower beds, lawn areas, and fences which are gradually becoming lined with creepers and berry plants. Mallards and moorhens soon began laying eggs and raising chicks in the nests we had built, making the pond their home. There are terrapins, from small to ones the size of a dinner plate. Inquisitive squirrels will sit on your lap and take nuts out of your hand. Songbirds, ring neck parakeets, green and spotted woodpeckers can also be spotted. A fox named Basil by frequent park visitors is also a regular.

As we looked around, the transformation instantly reminded me of the 60s hit ‘Itchycoo Park’ by rock band, Small Faces. We suggested the pond name ‘Itchycoo Park’ to the Newham Parks Department, and they agreed. So that was it, the pond was named. It’s much cooler than referring to it as the Beckton small pond.

During the lockdown, the pond became a crucial resource for visitors' mental health and well-being. People flocked to the pond during their allotted time outside and often queued along the pathways, waiting for their turns at the seating areas. This was incredibly gratifying for us and a significant achievement for the park. Over the years, over 100 volunteers have contributed immense effort, but the community support during the lockdown was truly remarkable.

We’re always looking for willing volunteers. From spreading topsoil to rejuvenating flower beds and of course dredging muck from the pond. We share details of upcoming volunteering sessions on the BIPEG Facebook page. It’s fun and so rewarding. We have seen volunteers physical and mental health improve and how new friendships have developed, extending beyond the park boundaries.

Our work integrates well with the Beckton Parks Masterplan, an ongoing investment in the parks and green spaces of Beckton. Part of the plan is Beckton Meadows, which opened last summer. It spans over two acres with wildflowers, a Butterfly Garden, wooden sculptures, seating and the new Queen Elizabeth Memorial Pathway, through the middle of the meadow providing access through the park. The meadow is a fantastic idea and it’s stunning when it is flourishing in full bloom.

We initially began cleaning up Beckton Park out of frustration, but as work progressed, it turned into something much more meaningful. I’m very proud of what our group has achieved. We have created a valuable community asset for people to visit, enjoy, and connect with nature both physically and mentally. It’s so satisfying overcoming the challenges, working out what to do next and being part of such an amazing community effort.