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• Managing Organisation:

  London Wildlife Trust

• Contact:

  Moya O'Hara

• Telephone:

  020 72529186 

• View Map:

  Click here for winner's location

Information about this open space

The Centre for Wildlife Gardening has developed beyond all recognition over the last 20 years. Its origins are as an old council depot, but now in addition to its award winning green building, it is home to a demonstration wildlife garden with a range of inspiring mini habitats, a wild flower nursery, and some very well used community raised beds.  Visitors are often surprised to find that in this small urban retreat we have recorded 15 species of butterflies and 30 species of birds. There is something special in every season. Spring brings the pond alive, while primroses flower in the log garden. The meadow blooms in June and throughout the summer, vegetables and sunflowers spill over the sides of the raised beds. Autumn brings hedgerow berries and winter brings foraging birds.  As well as providing wildlife gardening advice and supplying wildflowers and native trees, the centre is host to a range of local community projects. Happy Flower group of adults with learning disabilities meets on Mondays and Fridays to tend the vegetable garden. Visiting school children hunt for minibeasts and dip in the pond.  There are regular kids’ activities on Sundays and a summer playscheme. Adult courses in wildlife gardening run throughout the year and the Southwark Elders gardening group meet monthly.  The project also reaches out into the community, providing environmental education in nearby schools. The centre depends on work from committed volunteers and students to look after the garden and help us run family events.