This is one of Britain’s oldest and most influential urban ecology parks, internationally renowned as a centre of excellence in environmental education. The park was created on a previously derelict old coal yard in 1984. It now features a valuable mosaic of habitats, which support a remarkable diversity of wildlife given its inner city location. The habitats include a pond, a wildflower meadow, a marsh and a small woodland.The park is a Local Nature Reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust and is visited by around 10,000 school children annually. There is free access to the park from Thursday-Sunday (10am5pm) during term time. During school holidays it is open seven days a week 10am5pm. To find out more telephone 020 7833 2311, or visit the LWT website link.Camley Street Natural Park won a Green Flag Award again in 20089
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Camley Street Natural Park
Borough: Camden
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Access at limited times
Area: 0.9 ha
Description
Wildlife
Over 300 plants have been recorded on the site, including the natural arrivals common broomrape, hairy buttercup and common spotted-orchid. A variety of trees and shrubs grow in the park and these provide food and shelter for many different birds and insects. The meadow is at its best from late spring to early autumn when a multicoloured kaleidoscope of wildflowers comes into bloom. The marsh provides habitat for frogs, newts and toads as well as marsh marigold, yellow flag iris and butterwort.Breeding birds include moorhen, song thrush and reed warbler. Kingfishers, geese and mallards are also often present, as are reed buntings, which are more usually seen in outer London. Bats (such as the soprano pipistrelle) moving along the Regent's Canal can also be seen at dusk.Facilities
Information (visitor centre and environmental education for local schools); toilets.
View along Camley Street towards Kings Cross © Gavin Kingcombe
The woodland trail at Camley Street Natural Park © Gavin Kingcombe
Feedback
Have a question or a comment for this site, or notice anything missing or out of date? Please contact us.