Two charities have teamed up to raise more than £8,000 to save a derelict rose garden on Clapham Common.
The cherished landmark, located on the west side of the common, was left in a state of despair after its imposing rose pergola collapsed about a year ago.
Friends of Clapham Common and Wild Clapham, both local charities, have launched a £15,800 Go Fund Me campaign in an attempt to replace the structure and save the roses and are over halfway to the target.
Agnes Spinner, 53, has been living nearby for 20 years and spoke of how heartbroken she was when she first saw the collapsed structure.
The stay-at-home mother said: ”This is what makes this little neighbourhood so charming. These are old roses and they smell wonderful.
“I spent so much time, sitting on a bench under the rose bushes reading while my children played tennis.
“You get away from the noise of the world and you’re in your own little cocoon. The arch needs to be restored.”
Shirley Kermer, chair of Friends of Clapham Common, which has over 700 members, added: “The rose arch has been there since the 1980’s and it has been a thing of great beauty.
“I think this important for the community.”
The breakdown of the wooden structure is believed to be the consequence of aging, the wind and the weight of the roses, some of which are six to eight feet high.
On top of being one of the few ornamental areas of the common, well recognised and treasured by locals, the rose arbour plays a significant part in biodiversity.
The refurbishment of the pergola will allow the reintroduction of high ecological value plants, such as honeysuckle, which are said to have disappeared from the common.
The structure also provides a habitat, resting places and food for birds such as blackbirds and red-winged thrushes.
Gareth James, chair of Wild Clapham, said: “We need to get the roses upright quickly, because if they are going to leaf and start growing, we would have to cut it all back.
“I want to try and preserve as much as what we got at the moment, rather than doing a heavy-handed cutback that means you got to wait two years for it to grow again.
“So, we want to get everything completed as soon as possible, before the growing season starts, at the end of March, middle of April.”
With Lambeth Council’s resources being scarce, it has to be a community project, although it has provided fences to secure the site and agreed to cover the costs for removing debris and all woods.
Friends of Clapham Common has been increasingly involved in projects on the Common.
The Friends, a predominantly environmental organisation, are always keen to get involved to help on the Common.
They have planted trees, created wildflower meadows and shrubland areas.
The charity has contributed the first £2,000 onto the Go Fund Me campaign to get the ball rolling.
You can donate to the Go Fund Me campaign here or directly on the Friends of Clapham Common link.
Picture credit : Marie de Montigny
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