In the 1800’s, Camley Street Natural Park served as a coal drop site for the trains coming into King’s Cross St Pancras station, with coal being delivered to the site on boats via Regent’s Canal.
Image credit: Anna Schwarz
In the 1960’s, the coal drop was demolished, and by the 70’s, the site fell into disrepair and colonised by nature. In 1981, the former Greater London Council purchased the site with plans to turn Camley Street Natural Park into a lorry park. London Wildlife Trust campaigned to save the site from development and instead created a blooming nature reserve where wildlife could return, and local residents could enjoy.
CSNP south bank view n c summer 1984
By 1985, London Wildlife Trust acquired the site and formed plans to reintroduce nature to King’s Cross by allowing woodland, wetland and grassland to flourish, whilst running regular sessions of pond dipping for local schools, exposing inner-city children to the importance of green spaces.
CSNP school visit c1985
In 2017, Camley Street Natural Park underwent a major renovation and rewilding project, upgrading the donated ski chalet which served as the visitor centre, to a brand new eco building providing a space for school sessions to take place, as well as community and private events.
Image credit: Natalie Martinez
Camley Street Natural Park is now a green oasis in the heart of the city, bustling with wildflower and wildlife. The free-to-access site has attracted many new species of insects, native plants and birds, including the beautifully and brightly coloured Kingfisher, which our café and main event space are named after. Camley Street Natural Park is also one of the latest venues to join Unique Venues of London this summer, we are delighted to welcome them to our collection of unique venues across London.