A geographer's guide to London's green spaces
Dan Raven-Ellison, known as a "guerrilla explorer," played a pivotal role in establishing London as the world's first National Park City. He shared his top picks for London's best green spaces, ranging from wetlands to forests.
While London is often depicted as a grey metropolis with towering skyscrapers and overcast skies, it's home to an abundance of green and blue spaces. These include more than 3,000 parks, 400 miles of waterways, and an impressive 8.4 million trees.
Raven-Ellison, who is also a National Geographic Explorer, emphasizes London's ecological significance, highlighting its vast tree population and diverse wildlife, which includes an impressive number of peregrine falcons.
As the creator of Slow Ways, a project aimed at connecting all of Britain through walking routes, Raven-Ellison advocates for exploring London on foot. He believes it's an excellent way to uncover hidden gems, such as local histories, ethnic cuisines, and community initiatives.
In 2023, the London Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with the Mayor of London, initiated a funding drive to rewild additional areas of land and water in the city, promoting habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. Raven-Ellison views this as a continuation of Londoners' longstanding commitment to protecting and celebrating nature.
While it's challenging to narrow down favorites given the city's vast array of outdoor spaces, Raven-Ellison offers some insider recommendations to help residents and visitors make the most of London's natural beauty.
1. Best for spotting wildlife: London Wetland Centre
Raven-Ellison recommends the London Wetland Centre as an ideal location for observing various animal species. Situated along the Thames in Barnes, southwest London, this site boasts diverse habitats including ponds, reedbeds, meadows, and marshes, attracting over 150 bird species along with water voles, dragonflies, bats, and occasionally kingfishers.
"It's conveniently located near central London and offers guaranteed sightings of numerous bird species, with the possibility of encountering grass snakes and lizards," explains Raven-Ellison. "Originally repurposed from old reservoirs, the centre exemplifies London's longstanding commitment to rewilding. Visitors can witness firsthand how a large urban area can be transformed into a thriving ecosystem."
For more information, visit their website at https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/ or contact them at Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT, phone number 020 8409 4400. You can also follow them on Instagram at @wwtlondon.
2. Best for uncovering history: Thames mudlarking
For a deeper exploration of London's rich history, Raven-Ellison suggests strolling along the Southbank, a pedestrian-friendly stretch of the Thames Path adorned with iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Southwark Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
Additionally, exploring the banks of the Thames itself unveils a treasure trove of archaeological finds, as the riverbed serves as Britain's longest archaeological site, preserving flotsam and jetsam dating back over 2,000 years. Permit-holding mudlarkers regularly comb the riverbanks at low tide in search of these ancient relics.
"Walking along the Thames Path provides a fascinating journey through London's history, and mudlarking during low tide allows you to literally uncover relics of the past," explains Raven-Ellison. "Discoveries range from 300-year-old smoking pipes and cups to pieces of jewelry and Victorian-era shoes."
For guided tours and more information, visit the website at https://thames-explorer.org.uk/guided-tours/ or contact them at 020 8742 0057.
3. Best view of the city: One Tree Hill
Raven-Ellison cherishes One Tree Hill as one of their preferred vantage points for admiring London's expansive cityscape. Situated in the serene surroundings of Honor Oak Park in southeast London, this local nature reserve, despite its name, hosts a variety of tree species such as sycamore, ash, wild cherry, and oak – including the impressive 'Oak of Honor' atop the hill.
"There are magnificent trees framing the city view, creating a truly stunning panorama," remarks Raven-Ellison. The lush foliage provides a picturesque backdrop to London's iconic landmarks, encompassing the architectural marvels of the City of London, the striking silhouette of The Shard, the historic St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, BT Tower, and more.
For more details, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/friendsofOTH/ or locate them at One Tree Hill, Honor Oak Park, London, SE23 3RA.
4. Best for families: Kensington Gardens
Just a short stroll north of London's renowned Natural History Museum lies Kensington Gardens, an impeccably maintained sanctuary characterized by tree-lined pathways and a picturesque round pond. According to Raven-Ellison, the park is home to lively green-necked parakeets and secluded wooded areas perfect for games like hide and seek.
The standout attraction within Kensington Gardens, one of London's esteemed Royal Parks, is nestled in its far northwest corner. Raven-Ellison praises the Diana Memorial Playground as a haven for children, featuring a magnificent central wooden pirate ship and an array of accessible, imaginative natural play areas, including a sensory trail and a cluster of tepees.
For more information, visit the website at https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/kensington-gardens or locate them at Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH. You can also follow them on Instagram at @theroyalparks.
5. Best urban oasis: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Described by Raven-Ellison as "possibly one of London's most abundant yet compact parks," the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden offers a serene retreat within the bustling city. Once part of a railway line, this small but vibrant oasis now hosts a variety of wildflowers, organic vegetable patches, cozy seating areas, a café, and a diverse lineup of cultural events.
"It's remarkable how this slice of land is tirelessly serving the local community," Raven-Ellison remarks. "In an area like Dalston, which lacks green spaces, this garden is thriving with nature, trees, and even food cultivation. Visitors can enjoy coffee, cake, and outdoor performances on the garden's stage. It's a wonderful spot to unwind, particularly during the summer months."
Raven-Ellison suggests taking a train to Walthamstow and then embarking on the Dalwal Two route of Slow Ways, an 8km (5-mile) walk that conveniently concludes near the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, offering a perfect finale to your journey.
For more information, visit their website at https://dalstongarden.org/ or find them at 13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF. You can also follow them on Instagram at @dalstongarden.
6. Best hidden gem: Section 8 of the Capital Ring
According to Raven-Ellison, walking segments of the Capital Ring, a 78-mile marked loop connecting London's green and blue spaces, offers diverse experiences of urban areas, ecosystems, wildlife, languages, and panoramic city views.
While the entire Capital Ring route is worthwhile, Raven-Ellison suggests starting from Boston Manor and Brent River Park to access Section 8, where sightings of herons are common along the meandering river. The path leads to the newly established Warren Farm Nature Reserve, formerly a sports ground, now rewilded thanks to community efforts. Despite its simplicity, the reserve teems with wildlife, including owls and kestrels, due to its lush grassland. Continuing along the river, walkers reach Paradise Fields, where the recent reintroduction of beavers, absent for 400 years, offers a chance to spot these elusive creatures.
For more information, visit the website at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/capital-ring.
7. Best for feeling like you're in the countryside: Hampstead Heath
Raven-Ellison extols the timeless charm of Hampstead Heath as the ultimate embodiment of countryside tranquility within North London. With its sprawling open spaces, serene meadows, and refreshing swimming ponds, Hampstead Heath offers a quintessential rural experience. According to Raven-Ellison, lounging on a picnic blanket amidst the tall grasses, accompanied by the rhythmic chirping of crickets, easily transports one to the heart of the British countryside.
For those seeking a broader exploration of Greater London's natural beauty, Raven-Ellison recommends venturing to The South London Downs, recently designated as the newest National Nature Reserve in the city. Additionally, Happy Valley in Croydon promises picturesque landscapes featuring rolling hills and grazing animals, aptly living up to its name.
8. Best for a grand day (or two) out: From Epping to urban
Raven-Ellison suggests a weekend hike that begins in Epping Forest, an ancient woodland located on the eastern outskirts of London, and then winds its way back into Hackney via Wanstead Flats. Hikers can opt for the Centenary Walk, also known as the Big Walk, or choose to follow woodland tracks southward until reaching the urban landscape. Epping Forest is especially enchanting in spring, adorned with blooming bluebells and budding centuries-old oak trees lining the expansive woodland paths.
According to Raven-Ellison, this hike offers a captivating blend of cultural and emotional experiences, transitioning from the serene embrace of nature to the vibrant energy of the city. Embarking on this journey provides a fulfilling adventure, especially considering its origin beyond the M25 motorway.
Moreover, the route seamlessly connects to the newly inaugurated Green Link Trail, described by Raven-Ellison as an excellent way to explore various parks in East London. Hikers have the option to traverse all or part of this 24km (15-mile) accessible trail, which spans from southern Epping Forest to Peckham in southeast London. Along the way, the trail meanders through marshlands, canals, parklands, and notable landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern art gallery.
