The Friends of Peckham Rye Park (FoPRP) is a group of like-minded volunteers dedicated to preserving and maintaining the historic beauty of Peckham Rye Park and Common. We are instrumental in shaping the future of this important community space. We  look after the interests of  park users and raise any  issues – from conservation  to anti-social behaviour.
The FoPRP committee  finds out about future plans and canvasses popular opinion, organising meetings for members and inviting park officials  and councillors when there are issues of concern.  All this does make a difference to the way our parks are run. If you care about the Park it is important that you become a member of the Friends.

What we do

The Friends (with financial help from the Lottery and Southwark Council) created the Community Wildlife Garden which we continue to develop. It is described as an oasis of calm in the middle of the Park. The Garden  needs ongoing maintenance and usually (but always check the news section of the website) on the first Sunday of the  month from 10am-12noon a group of volunteers work in the garden. All help is very welcome especially in the weed growing season! Click here for more info.

Summer Fete and Dog Show. Every year on the first Saturday in September the Friends of Peckham Rye Park organise a traditional summer fete. It is a wonderful day, bringing together people of all ages from around the area. 

There are lots of fun activities: sack races, Punch and Judy show, coconut shy and a children’s fancy dress competition. At the dog show prizes are awarded for categories unknown at Crufts. The Friends run stalls where you can buy  delicious cakes, tea,  beer, Pimms, books and plants. You can also find out how the  Friends support Peckham Rye Park and Common. Other stalls are run by community groups, local businesses and entrepreneurs selling a variety of craft works, clothes, bric-a-brac, delicious food and lots more.

The fete runs from 12 noon until 5pm and all the funds raised are used to support projects within the Park and Common. The Friends welcome volunteers to help organise the fete and help on the day. Don’t be shy (unless you are a coconut) and come and volunteer your help to make it a great day. (Donations of cakes, books and plants are all welcome)

Other Projects.  Two recent projects which the Friends have been instrumental in organising are the Tree Trail  and the Fernery. The Tree Trail involved labelling the trees of interest in the Park and creating a booklet describing them .  (Download booklet here). The Fernery transformed a derelict site into an area of ferns and other shade-loving plants.