Hundreds of people gathered at a former munitions site in Thamesmead to learn how it is transforming into a stunning nature reserve.

The visitors enjoyed the wildlife activities at Tump 53 in Bentham Way in the Spring sunshine on April 12.

More than 200 residents had a go at activities including pond-dipping for mini-beasts, a nature trail, kingfisher and badger face-masks, painting pots and planting sunflower seeds. 

News Shopper: PICTURED: Thamesmead community gets involved with transforming former munitions factory

The event also allowed residents to get involved with the project steering group for Wild about Thamesmead, which received £50,000 in Lottery funding last November.

The project aims to regenerate Tump 53, a former munitions testing site, which now contains mixed woodland, a glade, a pond, and is surrounded by a reed-fringed moat.

More than 60 bird species have been spotted including kingfisher, willow warbler and redpoll.

News Shopper: PICTURED: Thamesmead community gets involved with transforming former munitions factory

Wild about Thamesmead’s project officer Jane Clarke said: "It’s a wildlife oasis right in the heart of central Thamesmead, with lots of opportunities to get close to nature.

"We’re aiming to open the reserve for up to three days a week, allowing as many local user groups as we can to enjoy the wildlife which flourishes here."

Visit wildlondon.org.uk/Tump-53-Wild-about-Thamesmead or call 07837 576786.