The combined Temple Gardens represent one of the largest areas of green space in the City of London. Although they are formally managed, they support a fair amount of wildlife interest. The western edge of Middle Temple Garden lies within the City of Westminster. The gardens comprise open lawns with a variety of mature trees, small areas of shrubbery and some wall-climbing shrubs, and attractive flowerbeds.The gardens are open to the public for an extended lunch break (12pm-3pm) in summer.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Middle Temple Garden (Westminster section)
Borough: Westminster
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Access at limited times
Area: 0.07 ha
Description
Wildlife
The lawns contain a mixture of grasses including red fescue, crested dog's-tail and rough and smooth meadow-grasses. There are a variety of wildflowers such as daisies, common sorrel, slender trefoil, creeping cinquefoil, wall speedwell and selfheal, as well as creeping, meadow and bulbous buttercups. Lady's bedstraw also grows here, a plant that tends to be indicative of older grassland in central London.Bird life includes great tit, which is uncommon this close to the City. More widespread species seen here include blue tit, blackbird, starling and carrion crow, as well as magpie, pied wagtail, mallard and woodpigeon. Song thrush has nested here in the past, but has not been seen for some years. Both nuthatch and kestrel are sighted occasionally. Nest boxes have been erected to encourage birds to breed here.Facilities
Information; historic features; sculptures/ monuments.
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