Make green spaces a part of everyday life
Consciously spending time in nature can improve your mental and physical well-being
- Walk or exercise in local parks to get some fresh air and relax while being mindful of the nature around you
- Join a community gardening initiative to get to know your neighbors, support biodiversity and grow your own food
- Create green spaces at home – even small balconies or window sills can support nature and make for a happier home. You could plant species that attract pollinators, like bees, or grow your own herbs and lettuce leaves.
Welcome wildlife to your area
Providing a space to protect and enhance nature and biodiversity makes our neighborhoods healthier and more resilient
- Plant native wildflowers and draft-resistant plants such as cosmos, sunflowers and foxgloves to attract pollinators to an area, even during periods of dry weather and heat waves
- Attract birds by placing our food and fresh water on a bird feeder and placing nesting boxes in safe locations
- Think about how you can incorporate microhabitats into your garden by locating logs and rock piles for invertebrates or nesting boxes for birds in one area, while maintaining and planting hedges increases the habitats used by small mammals
Garden sustainably and save water
Simple changes to the way you design your garden can help conserve water, enrich the soil and support local wildlife
- Make your own compost from fall leaves and food scraps
- Use grass clippings as mulch to suppress weeds and improve the soil while retaining moisture
- Install a rain barrel or use gray water to collect rainwater to irrigate your garden
- Avoid using sprinklers – instead, water plants deeply and less frequently to encourage stronger roots
- Let your lawn grow longer all summer long – it stays greener
- Choose draft-tolerant plants
Pay attention to nature and keep the rooms clean
Keeping outdoor spaces clean and reducing pollution can help protect nature and make communities healthier
- Take trash home with you or use trash cans to keep public spaces clean
- Participate in local cleanups
- Reduce water and chemical consumption to protect the canal and soil
resources
Nature, ecology and biodiversity
Find out what actions we are taking to support our green spaces, community food growing and the funding available for local biodiversity projects.
HCGA (Healthy Community Gardens Association)
Provides volunteer gardening, conservation training and environmental education in Westminster. Regular volunteer sessions on Wednesday afternoons at WECH, Thursday mornings at Penfold Hub and Queens Park Gardens.
For further information contact the team on westminstergardening@hcga.org.uk or 075 0687 7174 or visit the Hammersmith Community Gardens Association website.
Friends of Queen's Park Gardens
Weekly community garden sessions every Saturday from 10am to 12pm at Queen's Park Gardens, W10 4QJ. Contact Cathy Maund at cathy@hcga.org.uk
Nature observation
Led by North Paddington's Climate Champions, this initiative encourages local residents to get involved with nature. Participants can participate in local citizen science projects, attend educational events, and receive a free starter park to grow pollinator-friendly plants and herbs at home. To register, contact Paddington Development Trust on hello@pdt.org.uk or 020 8092 4466 or visit the PDT website.
Green kids club
Free after-school eco-learning clubs for 7-11 year olds. Runs Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For further information email enrolement@grandjunction.org.uk.
Seen green
Free documentary photography workshops at Paddington Library, capturing Westminster's green spaces. Runs twice a month from January 2025. Contact admin@photojournalismhub.org or call 07960940766.
The floating classroom
A purpose-built electric barge in Little Venice that offers children, youth and families learning experiences about the environment and heritage. Through school trips, after-school clubs and holiday programs, it connects participants with local canals and green spaces, encouraging curiosity and environmental stewardship. New off-boat activities in North Paddington focus on planting, growing and nature-based learning.
For more information call 020 3951 7376, email info@thefloatingclassroom.co.uk or visit the Floating Classroom website.