The Perth Road Nature Garden has transformed a previously neglected open space at the corner of Perth Road and Lea Bridge Road. This garden is part of a wildlife corridor that connects several sites within the urban area of Waltham Forest. It is located adjacent to the Sybourn Early Years Excellence Centre, close to the rich and diverse nature corridors and waterways of Lee Valley and Dagenham Brook. In collaboration with the primary school and the London Borough of Waltham Forest, we have created a habitat along with educational resources, establishing a new green space for the local community. This initiative supports biodiversity while fostering a sense of stewardship and care within the neighborhood.

The selection of components for the garden was guided by principles of reuse and repair. Existing brickwork found on-site was used to fill the gabions, the old garden gate was repaired, adapted, and re-hung, crushed-brick aggregate was used for the main paths, and soil was reused throughout the site.

Co-created with young people from the school’s Eco-Council, the garden’s design was developed through a series of creative workshops focused on supporting local ecosystems and exploring new encounters with nature and wildlife. During these sessions, the planting layout evolved to promote a diverse ecology: an open habitat to encourage insects, a woodland verge to attract birds and other creatures, and a protected fruit and herb garden that serves as an outdoor classroom. Additionally, a series of playful wildlife homes, including gabion blocks and bird perch posts, complement the planting.

By prioritizing the needs of multiple species, we have implemented processes that enhance children’s understanding of their connection to nature. We emphasize the links between the biodiversity crisis and the environments surrounding their schools. By using playful and interactive methods, we aim to instill a sense of agency, connectedness, and responsibility towards the shared environment and the many living species that sustain us.

The tangible connection between the design process—where the children participated—and their involvement in the garden’s on-site development fosters a sense of care and empowerment. Moving forward, the school and local residents will collaborate to maintain and care for the garden.