What
It was a lovely sunny afternoon in Hackney when the Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground (HMAP) opened its gates and let the grown ups in. They arrived for a rare opportunity to be shown around the site by their children and see all the activities they love to do while they are there. Natural Neighbours was invited along to share the work that we have been doing at HMAP and showcase the delights of the wildlife that has developed as a result.
Where
As you enter HMAP our mini pond and beds filled with hundreds of bulbs announce a site that is serious about nature habitat. These spaces, created through a very rainy winter by our Natural Neighbours volunteers, only whet the appetite.
Nestled at the back of the HMAP site is the main event. An area that, thanks to the dedication and hard work of those same volunteers, is developing into a wonderful wild garden. The central focus has to be the spectacular above ground pond but the new ‘totem pole’ that will be home to nesting bees, beetles, burrowing animals and so much more really announces the space. Surrounding the area the newly created beds are bulging with a large variety of plants, bulbs, flowering shrubs, herbs, perennials… things that will come back each year to provide food for pollinating insects. The creation of deadhedges and a hugel mound add further opportunities for wildlife to move in. You can find out more about the habitats that we have created and the nature it supports on our habitats page.
Why
The increased habitat provision that we have created at HMAP is not just for nature. The small humans who spend their time at the site are gaining so much from it too. While we were at the open afternoon we had the privilege of talking to many visitors. The young people were really excited to share the pond with their parents. Looking for signs of tadpoles and water snails, dragonfly nymphs and so many other living things that have made the pond their home. For some of the young people this resource is their only real opportunity to interact with and start to understand nature, why it’s important and what it can do for their own wellbeing.
What Achieved
At HMAP, through the physical transformation we have achieved and through our Natural Champions programme, we are working to develop the next generation of Nature Nurturers. Helping children to understand their place in the natural world and how they can enhance it is the most rewarding work that helps to bring out the inner child in us all. If you are interested in getting involved either by giving some time or supporting us financially please take a look at our Get Involved page and get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you!
