In a couple of weeks, on Saturday 28 June, Green Spaces Day is back with its annual celebration of our borough’s green spaces, with free activities, events, stalls and performances dedicated to caring for Croydon’s flora and fauna. Croydon Central Library in the Clocktower is the main hub for the day, but there will also be some feathery ‘happenings’ to look out for around the High Street and North End throughout the afternoon.

Events at the library include:

The Wishing Tree (1.30pm–2.15pm) – an interactive performance by authors, storytellers, artists and tree planters, Bernadette Russell and Emma Waterford as well as musician Deb Chalmers, where you’ll hear the magical tale of The Wishing Tree, set in the ancient forest. You can join in with your own sound effects, actions, and ideas, or simply be a spectator. After the performance you can join the musical procession through the town centre to visit Croydon’s real Wishing Tree on the High Street (planted back in 2023), where a new plaque will be unveiled. (Free but you need to book here).

The Green Side of Croydon (2pm) – a talk by Croydon’s Community and Conservation Team Leader Alice Owusu-Evans, about the Croydon’s green spaces and how they are managed and cared for them.

Crafts with Wandle Industrial Museum (2.30pm, suitable for 4–10 year olds) – textile printing with the museum where you’ll be able to make your own prints.

The ‘happenings’ I mentioned around town include:

The Keeper’s Nests (12pm, 1.45pm & 3.30pm) – two mysterious magpie puppets will be roaming the town centre, for you to tell them your secrets…

The Pigeons  (1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm) – giant pigeons will be entertaining passersby with their outrageous behaviour.

Green Spaces Day is also a great opportunity to find out more about some of Croydon’s wildlife and nature groups, as several will have stalls at the Library for the day (11am–4pm).

The groups represented include:

Croydon RSPB – the local branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) dedicated to birdwatching, wildlife surveys, and conservation in Croydon.

Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society (CNHSS) – Croydon’s oldest cultural and scientific society which offers a programme of talks, walks and events to explore local archaeology, geology, ecology, ornithology, and entomology.

Croydon Ecology Centre – a volunteer‑run sanctuary supporting wildlife (from sheep and newts to rare fruit trees and bees) located in the grounds of Heathfield House.

Wandle Industrial Museum – a volunteer‑run museum in Mitcham showcasing industries along the River Wandle (from mills, leather, and dye to lavender, snuff, and the Surrey Iron Railway).

Croydon Climate Action – established in partnership with Croydon Friends of the Earth to tackle climate change locally, CCA works with community groups, schools, businesses, and the council to raise awareness and make change.

Croydon Community Gardens – a collective of the borough’s community gardens in parks and green spaces, including Park Hill, Addiscombe Railway Park and Birdhurst Community Garden.

Wilderness Gardens – a 7-acre heritage wild garden in Shirley (behind Hall Grange care home), originally created between 1904–1923 by Reverend Wilks (Vicar of Shirley and former secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society) and reclaimed and restored by MHA post-2019 to function as a green-care/therapeutic horticulture site, offering intergenerational and community programmes in an accessible, wildlife‑rich space.

Croydon COPSE (Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club) – a not‑for‑profit outdoor/social club which organises walks, cycling, camping and more.

Find out more about the day on the Culture Croydon website and their Instagram.

Images courtesy of Culture Croydon: The Keeper’s Nests by Judith Hope; Wishing Tree stars from LBOC Croydon, 19 March 2024 by Vipul Sangoi

Posted by Julia