What
Natural Champions is our inspiring new programme for people of all ages to learn about urban wildlife and create habitat for bugs, butterflies, bird and bees and more in any open space, whether that is a garden, yard, balcony or shared green space.
In 2026, Natural Champions will run across our partner sites, and we are excited to be launching the programme at Robin Hood Garden with a year of monthly wildlife discovery sessions led by expert guides.
Session 1: Winter Wonders, Birds and Bugs 🐦🐞
Saturday 24 January, 1–3pm
Led by wildlife expert Joss Carr of the Biological Recording Company
We will start by taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, a nationwide citizen science initiative that helps reveal how British birds are faring each year. No prior experience is needed, just enthusiasm. If you have binoculars or a bird guide, feel free to bring them along.
After the birdwatch, entomologist Joss Carr of the Biological Recording Company will lead us in exploring the garden’s winter microhabitats to find the insects that shelter there even in January. You will learn where to look, how insect life changes through the seasons, and simple ways to create bug-friendly habitat in your own garden or local green space. We will provide any equipment you need.
Where
These sessions will take place at Robin Hood Garden, at the bottom of Springfield Park near Spring Lane, E5 9HQ. We’ll be announcing a programme of events at other sites soon.
While the workshops happen in the garden, the impact will spread far beyond it. The ideas, skills and simple habitat actions we learn together can travel home with you into balconies, front steps, windowsills, courtyards and shared spaces across the neighbourhood, creating a network of connected stepping stones for wildlife across Hackney.
If you’d like to join in it would really help the team if you email ahead first to manager@robinhoodgarden.org.uk
Why
Urban wildlife needs more than one good green space. Whether it’s hedgehogs, frogs, bats, birds or butterflies, they all thrive when neighbourhoods contain networks of habitat connecting through parks, gardens, streets and estates. Even the humble window box can be a vital pitstop for a passing bumblebee. By learning together and taking small practical actions, we can build those connections and help nature move through the city, right past our doors and windows.
Winter is also an ideal time to start. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch gives us a simple way to contribute to national understanding of how birds are doing, and looking for bugs in winter microhabitats shows something many people do not realise, that even in the coldest months, life is still there, sheltering and waiting for spring. When we know where wildlife hides and what it needs, we can make small changes that genuinely help.
What Achieved
In this first session, we will:
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Take part in a UK-wide citizen science effort by submitting our Big Garden Birdwatch results from Robin Hood Garden.
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Grow a new team of Natural Champions with a first focus on spotting winter birds and bugs tucked away whilst the weather’s chilly.
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Share simple, practical habitat-building and maintenance tips and tricks that anyone can replicate at home and in shared spaces, spreading networks of micro-habitats across the neighbourhood.
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Kicked off a new phase in the our partnership with the wonderful Robin Hood Garden community, creating ongoing monthly chances to learn, connect and care for nature through 2026.
If you are curious about the wildlife on your doorstep, come and join us. Let’s get wild together.
Thanks to The National Lottery Awards for All fund and all our generous individual and business donors for supporting this Natural Champions programme.
