Centre for Wildlife Gardening outdoor education (credit Penny Dixie)

Pond dipping at Centre for Wildlife Gardening © Penny Dixie

Centre for Wildlife Gardening credit Sylvia Myers

Wildlife pond at Centre for Wildlife Gardening credit Ella Cox

Hairy-footed flower bee credit Daniel Greenwood

Fox at Centre for Wildlife Gardening credit Daniel Greenwood

Centre for Wildlife Gardening

Idyllic wildlife garden and visitor centre in a quiet residential street in East Dulwich.

Location

28 Marsden Road

East Dulwich

SE15 4EE

Know before you go

Size

0 hectares

Grazing animals

Access

The entrance is on Marsden Road, through large wrought iron gates. East Dulwich Railway Station is a five-minute walk away, Peckham Rye Railway Station is a 15-minute walk away. Buses 40, 176, 185, 484 and P13 stop nearby.

There are paved pathways around the garden and a ramp to the visitor centre, which has accessible toilets. The site is flat with gentle slopes and occasional small steps. Seating is found throughout. Free street parking is available near the entrance.

Dogs

Assistance dogs only

Facilities

Visitor centre

Toilets

Picnic area

Accessible toilet

When to visit

Opening times

Open on Sunday-Thursday 10:30 - 16:30.

Best time to visit

March to October

About the reserve

Centre for Wildlife Gardening in East Dulwich, south London, is the perfect place to learn and relax in a welcoming outdoor environment. It is a favourite spot for local families, school children, gardeners and wildlife watchers; having grown beyond recognition since the Trust created it in the late 1980s from an old council depot. The centre’s demonstration wildlife garden has a range of mini-habitats including four ponds, chalk bank, wildflower meadow, woodland copse, herb garden, stag beetle sanctuaries, insect hotels, and raised beds demonstrating permaculture.

History of Centre for Wildlife Gardening

This small patch of land in Marsden Road that is now a pretty green wildlife haven was until the 1980s a depot for Southwark Council's road vehicles. The brownfield site, surrounded by Victorian terrace housing, had lain derelict for a number of years and was covered in rubble when London Wildlife Trust persuaded the council in 1989 to lease it to the Trust for use as a community tree nursery to supply stock for nature reserves. However, the site eventually became an educational and communal resource, and with the addition of its stunning visitor centre in 1991, became a popular green oasis - remaining so today.

Status of Centre for Wildlife Gardening

Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation; Current holder of The Green Flag Community Award

Family learning at Centre for Wildlife Gardening

There is evidence that family learning can help overcome difficulties associated with an under resourced background for both parents and children. The Trust is now working with Southwark Adult Learning Service as a delivery partner for family learning. The sessions offered are often a second chance for parents, carers and grandparents to return to learning, creating a host of fresh opportunities and to pursue learning together. Free taster sessions and short courses are offered throughout the year.