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Camley Street Natural Park
Camley Street Natural Park is a two-acre oasis
of green in the hardcore urban landscape around Kings Cross
Station - in fact, it's just a ten minute walk from the station.
The site was industrialised when the Regents
Canal was built and was used to store coal that was transported
along the canal. By the 1970's, the site was derelict and
in the 1980's the Greater London Council had plans to build
a coach park there. But after a campaign by local people,
the site was earmarked for a nature reserve.
Features include a pond, a meadow, a marsh
and woodland. The reserve provides an ideal habitat for birds,
insects, butterflies, amphibians and a rich variety of plant
life. A variety of trees grow in the park and these provide
seeds, nuts, berries and shelter for birds and insects.
The wildflower meadow is at its best from
late Spring to early Autumn when a multicoloured abundance
of wild flowers bloom. A marsh provides habitat for frogs,
newts and toads as well as marsh marigold, yellow flag iris
and butterwort.
You can visit the park during opening hours
which are 10.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Thursday and, at
weekends, 11.00am to 5.00pm in summer and 10.00am to 4.00pm
in winter. The park is closed on Fridays.
There is a visitors' centre with information
about the park and schools use it extensively for educational
purposes. Community events are also held regularly and volunteers
get the opportunity to help maintain the park and learn about
its flora and fauna. For information about events, call 020
7833 2311.
There are worries about the future of this
unique reserve because of the development of Kings Cross.
But the London Wildlife Trust, who run the park, are committed
to opposing any plans which will threaten its integrity.
Click here
to find out more about the London Wildlife Trust.
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Camden
Features
