You’re probably well aware that world-renowned wildlife conservation connoisseur, Sir David Attenborough, reached a rather momentous milestone recently. The beloved broadcaster turned the big 100 back on May 8. And whilst a plethora of spots across the city got involved in the celebrations; very few of them were quite so committed to commemorating Sir David’s centenary as one particular educational charity found in the heart of London’s largest Royal Park.
The educational charity in question comes in the form of the Holly Lodge Centre, located slap-bang in the middle of Richmond Park. The centre supports outdoor learning for children, young people, and those with special educational needs; aiming to help foster curiosity and environmental awareness within the 8,500 people who visit each year. Sir David Attenborough has long been a patron of the centre, championing the charity’s mission. And to mark his landmark birthday; the Holly Lodge Centre has given its nature trail a bit of a rebrand – renaming it ‘The Attenborough Trail’ to mark the occasion.
The trail is part of the charity’s outdoor learning programme, and is used daily by groups visiting the centre. Designed to be accessible and engaging; the trail explores the heritage and horticulture of Richmond Park – featuring the likes of dipping ponds, bird hides, sensory meadows, and a bug hotel.
Alongside the freshly-renamed trail, the Holly Lodge Centre also created a special ‘Centenary Glade’. This new woodland space was planted by a group of volunteers as a peaceful space where visitors can reflect on the incredible life and legacy of Sir David Attenborough.
James Middlehurst, chair of the Board of Trustees at the Holly Lodge Centre, said: “Sir David has inspired generations of children to learn to look closely, to ask questions, and to value nature.
“Every child who walks the Attenborough Trail is following in the footsteps of curiosity and care for the natural world that Sir David has championed throughout his life.”
You’ll find The Attenborough Trail within the Holly Lodge Centre at Richmond Park. The centre (and the trail within it) is an educational facility and so it isn’t open to the general public for drop-in visits. The centre primarily offers workshops and visits for school groups and community groups. You can find out more here.
