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To: Greenwich Council

Save Maryon Wilson Animal Park

We, the undersigned, call on Greenwich Council to maintain funding of Maryon Wilson Park Animal Care Centre, for the benefit of citizens within and beyond the borough.

It is one of Charlton's defining and distinguishing characteristics and must remain within the public domain, available for all to use. This park needs investment, promotion and celebration (it's 100 years old in 2026), not defunding, devaluing and deterioration.

We are extending the petition time as Greenwich have taken this off the agenda from full council meeting on 29th Jan - we need to show the council that this park matters to Charlton, the whole borough of Greenwich and beyond. 

Thank you to everyone that joined us on Sunday 26th Jan, at St Thomas's Church, Woodland Terrace, SE7 8EW and met our Ward Councillors, showing your strong support for this campaign.

Why is this important?

Maryon Wilson Park is on Thorntree Road Charlton, London, situated nearby to Maryon Park. The animal care centre is hugely popular with both locals and visitors to the area. It's an oasis of calm in a bustling area and should be saved for all.

Greenwich Council are seeking to offload the responsibility and costs of the animal centre in their budget cuts. Our petition aim is to convince the council that this is a mistake and is totally against the wishes of the local electorate. It is irresponsible of the council to expect the local community to provide a business case to run this service. The park is for all residents and benefits the community in supporting mental health and wellbeing, social cohesion, kindness and understanding.  It's highly educational and well used by schools and pre-school families.  

The park serves many local schools and people travel from far & wide to visit. It is one of the distinguishing and defining features of the area - it's loss would be far-reaching, detrimental to the area and community.

  • The animal park is located in Maryon Wilson Park, which also includes woodlands, grasslands, and streams
  • The park is home to domestic animals like sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, geese, horses and ducks
  • The park offers free public tours where visitors can feed, stroke, and handle the animals
  • For the last 50 years the Charlton Park Riding for Disabled ponies have been stabled there, a fantastic charity supporting children with disabilities and their families
  • Maryon Wilson Park is a key feature of the Green Chain Walk, used by over 250,000 ramblers every year

The park offers an unique opportunity for the whole community to connect with nature and experience animals up close. A treasured green space in a rapidly developing area, this park offers respite, comfort and joy to those who most need it. It teaches kindness, empathy and connection in a world that is becoming increasingly less so. This is a hub of wellbeing for young and old, no matter what your income. 

We need to show the council that this park is loved and valued by residents in and out of the borough, so we ask that you write an email or letter to your Ward Councillors, copy in the Mayor of Greenwich, the executive lead of Greenwich Council and our MP, Matthew Pennycook.  A short email to all of them on what the park means to you will really help this campaign. 

Find your ward councillor here: https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200155/councillors_and_elected_officials/598/find_your_councillor

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Thanks so much from all of the residents of Charlton for supporting this campaign. 

Save the Animal Park (SOAP)!

How it will be delivered

We are extending the deadline of the petition to show that this is a beloved park across the borough and beyond. We will deliver at the next full Council meeting when it reaches the agenda - watch this space!

Flamsteed Rd, London SE7 8HT, UK

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Updates

2025-01-28 16:28:10 +0000

The full council meeting takes place tomorrow night, Wednesday 29th Jan at 7pm - the petition will be presented by our Ward Councillor. Thursday 30th is the Scrutiny Committee at 6.30pm where the park & the budget will be discussed. We've requested deputations to speak at both, that have been denied.

Join us outside Woolwich Town Hall from 6.30pm on Weds and 6pm on Thurs to show the councillors your support for saving Maryon Wilson Animal Park.

2025-01-27 07:55:10 +0000

10,000 signatures reached

2025-01-26 12:27:42 +0000

Join us this afternoon for the public meeting at St Thomas' Church, Woodland Terrace, SE7 8EW at 2.30pm to meet our Ward Councillors and show your support for this campaign.

2025-01-24 10:42:04 +0000

Please join us on Sunday 26th Jan, at St Thomas's Church, Woodland Terrace, SE7 8EW at 2.30pm to meet our Council Ward Councillors and show your support for this campaign.

2025-01-23 17:19:51 +0000

5,000 signatures reached

2025-01-22 17:16:54 +0000

1,000 signatures reached

2025-01-22 14:21:36 +0000

500 signatures reached

2025-01-22 12:06:03 +0000

100 signatures reached

2025-01-22 11:43:34 +0000

50 signatures reached

2025-01-22 11:28:13 +0000

25 signatures reached

2025-01-22 11:07:13 +0000

10 signatures reached