Loris Gardens play area
Butterflies, birds, bees and newts all feature in the annual free summer activity programme organised by Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HGCA).
There is a biodiversity theme to this year’s series of summer outdoor fun days – mirroring the work of the council’s own biodiversity commission, set up to support wildlife habitats.
Aimed at local families with children under 12, the summer activities introduce youngsters to the joys of gardening and environmental craft, with the aim of developing a lifelong interest in the world around them.
No booking is needed, and the drop-in sessions are free, with voluntary donations covering the cost of materials.
The biodiversity summer play also includes toads, frogs, flowers, ladybirds, trees and fruit, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Greenest borough
H&F Council’s resident-led Biodiversity Commission was launched in January to maintain and enhance space for nature – with the hope of making H&F the greenest borough in the country.
The commissioners are all local residents with a keen interest in maintaining and improving green spaces for diverse wildlife.
“We all need to understand biodiversity better and how the tiniest creatures and organisms are all essential to the web of life,” said Morag Carmichael, Chair of the Biodiversity Commission.
“Their loss would adversely affect our lives in many ways. For instance, bees and other pollinators are currently struggling, and if they were to become extinct, much of the world’s food supply would be threatened.
How to take part
Tuesday sessions are staged at Godolphin Gardens, Godolphin Road, W12, from 10am-noon and 1-4pm on 25 July, 1 August, 8 August, 15 August and 22 August.
On Wednesdays the action moves to Loris Gardens in Loris Road, W6, same times, on 26 July, 2 August, 9 August, 16 August and 23 August.
Thursday’s garden play days are at the Ravenscourt Park glasshouses beside the café in Ravenscourt Park, W6, same times, on 27 July, 3 August, 10 August, 17 August and 24 August.
