Gillespie Park facts for kids
Gillespie Park is a special green space in Highbury, London. It's like a secret garden in the city! This park is 3.4 hectares big. That's about the size of five football fields. It's a protected area where nature can thrive. The park also has the Islington Ecology Centre. This center teaches kids about nature. It also organizes fun walks and talks for everyone.
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Discover Gillespie Park: A City Nature Spot
A Home for Wildlife
Gillespie Park is a very important place for nature. It has different areas like meadows and woodlands. You can find several ponds here, including a main pond with tall reeds. These different habitats help many types of plants and animals live here.
Amazing Plants and Animals
This park is home to a huge variety of living things. You can find 244 different kinds of plants! There are also 94 types of birds and 24 kinds of butterflies. Some plants found here are quite rare in Central London. These include the narrow-leaved bird's-foot-trefoil and the grass vetchling. You might even spot a beautiful pyramidal orchid.
In 1990, something very exciting happened here. It was the first time the long-tailed blue butterfly was seen breeding in the park. This shows how important Gillespie Park is for wildlife.
Who Looks After the Park?
Gillespie Park is owned and managed by the Islington Council. They work hard to keep the park healthy and beautiful. The park is also protected by an organization called Fields in Trust. They have a special legal agreement called a "Deed of Dedication." This agreement makes sure the park will always be a public green space. It means future generations can always enjoy this wonderful natural area.
How to Visit Gillespie Park
It's easy to get to Gillespie Park. You can enter the park from Drayton Park or Quill Street. Come and explore this amazing nature spot in the heart of London!
