Nature

London is one of the largest and greatest European cities but what is less known is that it is also the Greenest major city in Europe. As Londoners feel a greater need for outside space and the preservation of the natural environment, London’s parks help fulfil this desire. If you want to feel part of London, at the weekend take a walk in one of its many green spaces.

London contains many large parks and open spaces dispersed through the city. Many of London’s parks such as Richmond and The Green Park where originally used for hunting and socialising by the monarchy. Parks such as Battersea Park, established in the nineteenth century, offer green space and fresh air for the residents of London.

Other parks and gardens contain special features and have particular uses that make them important. Kew Gardens is not only a nice place to walk and have a picnic, it also has a remit for the preservation and research into plant species. Its glass houses contain many rare species and its grounds numerous rare and beautiful trees. Take the boat along the river to Greenwich Park. The Park was landscaped in the seventeenth century to provide iconic views of London. It contains many historic buildings but is probably best known for The Prime Meridian which runs through the park and is the reference point for Greenwich Meantime. The famous Royal Observatory was built within the park.

The river Thames provides long walks through the city and various wetland and wildlife sanctuaries have been established in and around London in an effort to maintain and encourage nature to flourish. The London Wetland Centre and Rainham Marshes are two examples where conservation and a good day out in nature are combined. Slip on your trainers and have a go!