Fantastic Outdoor Venues

Wildlife and London are not two words that go together in the same sentence too often. While the city may be famed for its sky- scrapers and architecture, deep within the realms of London lie a few little sanctuaries and hidden gems that allow nature to survive and thrive within this metropolis. These farms, centres and gardens are hugely important for the city and are a great way to spend a day out with the family or friends to learn how nature has learnt to adapt to urban surroundings and how we can work together to live cheek-by-jowel with animals. James Powell, a student studying animal management in Crystal Palace emphasises the importance of these green spaces saying ‘These places are great for conservation purposes, especially for species which would otherwise not be able to survive in an urban environment and the changing landscape of the city’. Here are some of the best oases of tranquillity to take a look at when planning your trip to London, and a run-down of what you can expect to find when you get there.

Mudchute farm

Canary Wharf is one of the financial centres of the world and a significant London Landmark. This famous, pyramid-esque building has formed the basis of London’s ever expanding skyline for over 25 years and is arguably the last place you would expect to find one of the largest urban farms in Europe. Situated a 20 minute walk or a 2 minute DLR ride from Canary Wharf lies Mudchute Farm, a 32-acre farm containing a variety of different animals and providing spectacular views of London.

With animals ranging from the legendary alpacas through to the more traditional farmyard animals such as cows and pigs, Mudchute is a great place for children to learn about animal welfare and interact with the animals themselves in a friendly and laidback environment. The park itself is free (a rarity for London) but as Mudchute is run by a charity, all donations are greatly appreciated. Stop by at the café to enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks as you watch farmyard animals graze away in front of one of London’s most impressive backdrops, which is a truly unique London experience and could form the perfect postcard picture. Mudchute is open from 10am – 6pm daily and is accessible via DLR with the closest stations being Mudchute and Crossharbour.

The Centre for Wildlife Gardening

If you are a fan of insects and other smaller urban animals such as frogs and toads then Peckham is the place for you. More known for its hipsters and infamous nightlife than its wildlife sanctuaries, Peckham may not seem like the ideal spot for a little hidden bit of environmental heaven. However, nestled behind the old town houses of Marsden Road on the site of an old council compound lies The Centre for Wildlife Gardening. The grounds are maintained by local volunteers and school children as well as the office staff at the centre and is a prime example of what can happen when a community pulls together to create something truly brilliant.

With beautiful overgrown gardens and an array of different small animals to look at, the Centre for Wildlife Gardening provides and incredibly interesting insight into the lives of the small creatures that live in the city. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax and due to its enclosed and peaceful location, you could not feel further away from the hustle and bustle of the Capital. Best visited in the spring months when the flowers begin to blossom and create an array of colours and smells as well as having a nature trail, a wild flower nursery and a stall selling plants and honey from the centre's own hives, there is plenty to keep people of all ages and interests entertained.

Open to the public Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm and accessible from Peckham Rye station, the centre is an absolute must for those looking to explore London’s ‘wild side’.

Battersea Childrens Zoo

For parents with children, finding family friendly activities in London is not too much of a challenge. Museums adorn the streets with an array of different subjects and niches (including M&M’s) to be looked at. However, whilst museums are wonderful venues in their own right, animal management student James Powell believes places like Battersea Park Children’s Zoo are just as, if not more important to a child’s learning ‘These institutions are hugely important in educating children. As more and more kids begin to live in an urban environment, their connection with animals lessens. These places are key to educating children who do not have much of connection with wildlife.’

The small but varied petting zoo sits on the picturesque Riverwalk and contains of mix of rare and endangered species as well as the more usual suspects. With animals such as Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, monkeys, emus, tortoises and talking Mynah birds – visiting this zoo makes for a really special experience for any youngster when coming to the capital. The Zoo is ran by a family and this is what makes it so special. The family friendly feel to the place is vital to its appeal, with educational tours, play pits and a lovely café situated in its grounds, Battersea Children’s Zoo is a fun and informative day out for all. Prices for the zoo are £29 for the whole family or £8.95 per adult and £6.95 per child (any child under 2 gets in for free), it is located a stone’s throw away Battersea Park train station and is worth taking a look at if you have an interest in nature of the more exotic variety.

The Treetop Walkway, Kew

Another place to take a look at is the world famous Kew Gardens and their Treetop Walkway. Opened in 2008 and designed by the company who created the London Eye, the Treetop Walkway allows its visitors to get a close inspection of the wildlife that exists above our heads. Birds, fungi and insects occupy the trees and the sight is just as breath-taking all year round, but particularly when the trees begin to blossom in the spring.

The entrance of the Walkway is both informative and pleasing on the eye with sculptures carved out of tree trunks illustrating how trees grow, live and breathe. You can also head underground to the Rhiztron, which is an underground laboratory which explains the relationships between beetles, soil and roots and features a mosaic floor which aims to illustrate this. The Rhiztron and the Treetop Walkway are a real eye opener to the ways in which the world works above our heads and under our feet and will capture the imagination of everyone, young and old.

The Treetop Walkway is included in the price of a ticket for Kew and its unbelievable gardens which range from around £10 for adults and £3 for children. If you are going to head over make sure you make the most of all the gardens have to offer as they are a real sight to behold and a perfect day out for any group of family and friends.

So, if you fancy getting a bit of greenery in your life when visiting London head to one of the above and get a real taste of the city’s ‘wild’ side. A lot of these places are run by charities and volunteers so any donations/money spent will help keep the city as animal friendly as possible which is vitally important for the future generations.