Gillespie Park and Ecology Centre
Gillespie Park, winner of the Green Flag Award in 2019 and the London Conservation Area of the Year award in London in Bloom 2015, is Islington’s largest nature reserve. It is home to Islington Ecology Centre - a visitor and education centre which can be booked for events.
The Ecology Centre is open to the public. Gillespie Park is open as normal. Any enquiries please contact the Ecology Centre using the contact details at the bottom of the page.
General information
- 2.8 hectare nature reserve which is home to a wealth of wildlife, including 244 species of plants, 94 species of birds and 24 types of butterflies.
- Ponds, woodland and meadow areas.
- The park's Ecology Centre gives advice on wildlife, gardening and sustainable living.
- The Ecology Centre runs events, takes school bookings and is available for hire for meetings and parties.
Opening times
The park is open to the public from 8am to dusk daily, except on days of Arsenal Emirates Stadium events when it is closed.
Getting there
There are entrances on Drayton Park, Gillespie Road, Quill Street and Seven Sisters Road.
- Tube: Arsenal, Finsbury Park
- Train: Drayton Park
- Buses: 4, 19, 236
Accessibility
There is a disabled parking space at Gillespie Park, with access from Drayton Park. The paths around the Ecology Centre are suitable for wheelchairs. More access information can be found on our page at AccessAble.
Dogs
Most of Gillespie Park is designated as dog-free. Dogs are allowed in the section of park accessed from the St Thomas Road entrance.
Getting involved
Our volunteer group meets every Thursday from 10am to 3:30pm and carries out work on our three nature reserves.
Activities include cutting meadows, weeding the wildlife garden, coppicing trees, cutting back bramble and pond maintenance. You don't need any experience and all tools are provided.
The Friends of Gillespie Park is a group of local people with an interest in the park. Members organise events, such as the annual Gillespie Festival, and fund-raise.
To find out more, please contact the Ecology Centre.
Schools visits
The Ecology Centre offers exciting, curriculum-linked education programmes for pre-school groups and primary schools. The programme is open to groups and schools from all boroughs.
Pupils can enjoy a variety of stimulating, tailored sessions, designed to enthuse and engage young people with their environment.
Contact schools@TheGardenClassroom.org.uk for more information and to book a session.
Hiring the Ecology Centre
The centre can be hired by businesses, community organisations and charities during office hours, including weekends. It is suitable for workshops, training sessions and meetings.
It can be hired at the weekends and Bank Holidays for celebrations and parties by individuals. It is a very popular venue for children’s birthday parties and workshops. It is also available for hire during weekday evenings for classes and workshops.
Events
The centre runs events throughout the year. You can view these on our Eventbrite page.
Wildlife gardening
We have produced a free Wildlife Gardening pack with lots of tips and advice for attracting wildlife into your garden.
Biodiversity Action Plan
We are currently working on a new Biodiversity Action Plan for the borough. Please contact the Ecology Centre for more information.
Contact us
Islington Ecology Centre
191 Drayton Park
London
N5 1PH
- Tel: 020 7527 4374
- Email: EcologyCentre@islington.gov.uk
- Text 'Greenspace' and your message to 80800.