Woodland at the end of Courtrai Road declared The Dandy Fifth Park for the communities of Deptford and Lewisham by the Metropolitan Mayor Charles Henry Dodd and Sir Philip Dawson, MP. This was in recognition of the the local Scout troop, the Dandy Fifth, who did their bit for the war effort by patrolling the railway during World War I.

Community survey conducted by Fourth Reserve and results shared with Local Authority to support community vision for site.

Commonplace consultation for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) places Buckthorne Nature Reserve and the Scout Hut in the top four community projects, as voted by residents.

Site designated a Locally Important Geological Site (LIGS) following Fourth Reserve submission of evidence.

 Ancient Woodland designation confirmed by Natural England following Fourth Reserve application.

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) selects Gorne Wood as one of ten green spaces in London that should be saved for community and wildlife.

Community consultation event held on plans for Gorne Wood.

Heritage Landscape Appraisal for Buckthorne Cutting submitted to Local Plan review.

Several stakeholder meetings held with St Hilda’s Church, scouts and Courtrai and Grierson Road residents.

Buckthorne Cutting added to the Greater London Historic Environment Record following Heritage Landscape Appraisal submission by Fourth Reserve.

Formal RICS valuation of land completed for Fourth Reserve and submitted to Council.

Metropolitan Open Land review – site to be added to Local Plan. 

Mayor and Cabinet – Councilor Paul Bell confirms commitment to support community to purchase land including Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), on the condition that there would be no cost to the Council.

Fundraising campaign launched to raise funds before Asset of Community Value (ACV) expires in January 2023.

Neighbourhood Plan adopted includes increased protections for Buckthorne Cutting and recommends location as Area of Special Local Character including Buckthorne Cutting/Gorne Wood.

Preliminary feasibility study completed for hut removal costs.

Funds raised by community to purchase site following Fourth Reserve campaign.

Fourth Reserve submit application and Lewisham Council renew Asset of Community Value designation.

First CPO meeting with Council Director of Inclusive Regeneration and agree initial actions for CPO.

Several efforts made to engage land owner in discussions by Lewisham Council and Fourth Reserve Foundation. Land owner largely unresponsive.

Vision document and visuals created by Kennedy Wood Architects and shared with community at Open day, and comments received.

Second meeting with Council Director of Inclusive Regeneration. Advised to wait for Local Plan to be adopted in January 2024 before starting CPO and to use time to continue efforts to engage land owner and create business plan. 

Council serve enforcement notices on AA Homes for failure to tidy and secure site.

Work with architects on Business Plan and Vision for CPO evidence. 

Fire at the scout hut. A group of teenagers set it alight, however due to local vigilance and thanks to the Fire Brigade the fire was caught in time. Increased campaign to secure site and speed up the CPO with Lewisham Council.