Southmere Lake Map
From October to December in 2024, six local schools in Thamesmead worked with Bow Arts and artist educator Matt Ponting on a project to celebrate and explore Southmere Lake. Together, they created an illustrated map of the lake and its surroundings based on the drawings created by pupils, which aims to encourage local people to explore the area.
Through outdoor drawing workshops, the children explored the lake, wildlife and habitats around Thamesmead, encouraging them to discover the natural environment on their doorstep. Over 1000 drawings were made in total by 140 pupils, with images and elements of the children’s artwork coming together to create a map, available to view and download below.
More artwork from the pupils
This project was commissioned by Peabody and supported by London Borough of Bexley, as part of the School Superzones Project, which aims to create safer and healthier environments for children in Thamesmead.