southern side of Grove Park Nature Reserve, through where Nesbit's garden was previously located has been named Railway Children Walk, in memory of the book and author. For much of the mid-twentieth century, up to the 1980s, the strip of land along the east side of the railway line from St. Mildred's Road in the north, to Grove Park in the south, including what is now Grove Park Nature Reserve, was used mostly as allotments, and was of particular importance during the Dig For Victory campaign during the Second World War. Near the centre of the reserve, within the circular path there is a small hollow which was previously a pond with a small island in the middle, which has long dried up, and also the former site of a World War II anti-aircraft battery. As a nature reserve In 1984 the site became a nature reserve, when the Lewisham London Borough Council agreed to manage the area under licence from British Rail, although the site had been used informally by local residents for recreation for many years before this. In 1987 Lewisham Council acquired freehold of the land, following a public enquiry the previous year which allowed planning permission for housing on land just to the north, called Bramdean Village, new cul-de-sac roads named Gables Close and Oak Apple Court adjoining the existing road Bramdean Crescent. After Lewisham Council acquired the freehold they agreed the site should remain open access for the public. An organisation named Friends of Grove Park Nature Reserve was set up, the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded the organisation funds on four occasions between 2007 and 2013, totalling £31,186, three of these funds were to improve Grove Park Nature Reserve directly. On 7 May 2007, £8,292 was awarded for altering the main entrance of site to increase accessibility, and in partnership with Lewisham Council and the Purple Broccoli Theatre, children were offered story telling and exploration of the park; hedge, and bulb planting with help from volunteers also took place. On 15 April 2009 £4,600 was given to hold an open day during the summer to attract local volunteers. Visitors built nest boxes for birds and bats, and helped pick litter and clean graffiti. Guided walks were put on, as was a treasure hunt for children, and a local artist unveiled a sculpture at the site. The Lottery Fund also gave £9,075 on 5