London is one of the greenest cities in the world and is the first city to be designated as a National Park City.
Most boroughs have large green spaces within them, places where you can find peace and immerse yourself in woodland. Many boroughs have environmental centres, ecology centres or city farms...
In compiling this directory we haven’t attempted to duplicate what’s available elsewhere but rather to draw your attention to some great outdoor learning resources inside the M25.
We’ve provided a particular focus on Islington, our home borough (and incidentally the borough with the least open access green space in the whole country) because we know it well.
There are 135 parks or green spaces in Islington and we’ve visited them all. Indeed we teach in thirteen of them. We’ve provided a list of some of our favourites.
Abney Park Cemetery
Abney Park was the first designated local nature reserve in Hackney. The cemetery is going through a big restoration project which will improve their facilities and boost their biodiversity.
This is a great spot to find fungi, as there’s plenty of ancient rotting wood around.
Ashtead Common
National Nature Reserve to visit for woodland, history and rare wildlife. Open all year round and easily accessed by public transport.
Astey’s Row Playground and Rock Garden
Part of the New River Walk has some areas beside paths to gather a class.
Barnard Park
Good areas for gathering and exploring, trees to climb. Big pitch in middle but generally unused in school hours.
Beckenham Place Park
Beckenham Place Park boasts scenery of outstanding beauty. The park is home to a lake and ancient woodland and, unusually for an urban park, it features various listed buildings which are being renovated and brought back to life.
Brompton Cemetery
Brompton is not only one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries established in the 19th century but also a great place to explore the hidden world of invertebrates.
Simply follow The Spider Stroll…
Bug Life
Buglife is the only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates. We’re actively working to save our rarest little animals, everything from bees to beetles, worms to woodlice and jumping spiders to jellyfish.
Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common
Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common are located in Buckinghamshire to the West of London and are registered charities.