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In between King’s Cross and St. Pancras Stations lies Camley Street. If you follow it a short way, you’ll reach Camley Street Natural Park and its surprising array of wildlife.

At 12 Camley Street, N1C 4PW, there is a hidden nature gem in an urban landscape that sprang from an old coal yard. The park offers respite from the busy city in its two acres situated upon the banks of Regents Canal.

Walking from the busy stations and through the Park’s iron gates, you are instantly transported to the countryside. This oasis in a concrete city was created in 1984 and in the passing years it has grown in such a way as to appear as if it has erupted from a chasm in the asphalt.

The peaceful area is divided into habitats including a summer-flowering meadow, rainwater ponds, mixed woodlands, Marshlands and a pond linked to the canal. Camley Park have installed several wildlife islands that provide habitat for the wildlife that uses the canal, including waterfowl, aquatic insects and swimmers such as shrimp.

The park plays host to lots of wild life including many varieties of birds like the reed warbler, kingfishers, geese, mallards, and buntings, as well as bats and at least 300 types of plants.

There are structures amongst the greenery like ‘Viewpoint’, a floating platform and sanctuary on the canal. You will also see a small pink castle amongst the undergrowth. Camley is full of surprises.

The Wildwood Café serves vegetarian food and they believe in creating a sustainable future, employing anaerobic digestion to turn food waste into renewable biogas to power the cooking. The cafe shows how organic resources can be managed to provide employment, educational and training opportunities.

This secret garden is a thriving relaxation space – an oasis in a concrete city.