An eye-catching canopy made from sustainable materials has been unveiled at Gillespie Park in time for next month’s annual festival.
The timber lattice canopy is the cherry atop Islington Council’s wider entrance improvement project which involved demolishing a derelict toilet block and creating a new pedestrian route.
Framing the Drayton Park entrance to Islington Council’s Ecology Centre, the construction is part of a plan to encourage more visitors to both the centre and Gillespie Park.
The canopy appears to float in the treetops and will gradually be colonised by climbing plants and merge with the vegetation of the nature reserve.
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “Gillespie Park is one of Islington’s most valued green spaces and the council’s Ecology Centre has proven an important asset to the community.
“The recent works, including the construction of the innovative canopy, have improved the look and feel of the site and I hope that will translate into more residents taking advantage of the facilities on offer.”
Run and owned by Islington Council, the Ecology Centre is one of three Islington-based sustainability centres and is available to anyone interested in finding out about wildlife gardening, sustainable living and environmental other issues.
The centre is located at Gillespie Park – a Green Flag site which is home to a wealth of wildlife, including 244 species of plants, 94 species of birds and 24 species of butterfly.
The site will next month play host to the 23rd annual Gillespie Park Festival, featuring a wide range of music, dance and other activities for all ages.
Combined with the recent unveiling of the Gillespie Park extension, the revamped entrance is part of the Islington Connect2 Route - an initiative aimed at linking the borough’s green spaces.
The scheme, financed by Islington Council’s £600,000 slice of Sustrans’ £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant, will eventually connect Finsbury Park to Highbury Corner.
Page Last Updated: 19 August 2009