Flagship Welsh Harp Centre relaunches with community fun day on June 4

Community Fun Day: 4 June
Time: 11-4 pm
Location: Birchen Grove, London NW9 8RY

A five-hectare nature oasis in north-west London is throwing its doors open to Londoners on June 4 with live music, nature-based environmental activities and fun for all ages.

The Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre is a flagship environmental educational centre run by Thames21, London’s leading waterways charity, catering for schools throughout Brent, Barnet and Harrow and is a very valued asset in the local community.

The site, which contains a meadow, woodland, a stream, ponds and its own resident heron is a crucial asset to north-west Londoners, as it offers the chance for fresh air, exercise and an opportunity to connect to nature on your doorstep.

“If you live in north-west London, this is a great opportunity to bring a picnic, kick back in nature, and enjoy the sunshine without leaving London,” said Edel Fingleton, Education Coordinator at Thames21. “We’ve got free activities happening for all ages.”

The Community Fun Day takes place between 11am and 4pm and free activities include face-painting, a nature trail, den-building, and pond-dipping.

Leading environmental charity Thames21 took lease of the centre from Brent Council in 2016. The charity runs daily outdoor learning sessions for schools and home educated groups and also provide great value holiday activities and community volunteering opportunities there too.

On May 30 and 31 the Centre is offering half-term activities for local children at only £3 per child.

“We’re really keen to hear from people about what further activities they would like to take part in at the centre,” said Edel. “We have a fantastic programme already developed, but we’re growing it all the time, and love creating new sessions on request.”

The site is also open for venue hire and children’s parties – to book a session or discuss venue hire contact welshharpcentre@thames21.org.uk or ring 07734 871728.

Thames21 has also set up a conservation volunteers group at the centre which meets monthly to look after the natural habitats on the site. This offers another opportunity for local people to get involved with enhancing this very biodiverse corner of Wembley.

Thames21 connects Londoners with nature and rivers across the whole of London, helping schools, community groups and individuals. It offers curriculum-linked educational sessions for primary and secondary schools, bringing schools out to the waterside to learn about wildlife and river health in these unique habitats. It also offers accredited environmental training for adults and helps communities look after their local stretches of waterway.

ENDS
Notes for editors
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity putting healthy rivers back at the heart of community life. Through environmental improvements, education, research and advocacy efforts, Thames21 is inspiring and influencing effective and lasting change by working hand-in-hand with communities to deliver tangible and measurable improvements for urban rivers.
www.thames21.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1103997
Media Contact
Kirsten Downer
Communications Officer at Thames21
Kirsten.Downer@thames21.org.uk
07711 701 696
020 7248 7171