A free family event celebrating biodiversity is coming to Croydon this April half term, as reported by our sister title London Now.
The “Spring into Croydon” experience will run at Centrale & Whitgift from April 3 to 4 and April 6 to 10 (excluding Easter Sunday), offering hands-on workshops, storytelling and seed planting.
The immersive programme combines environmental education with creative play and practical growing to encourage families to support urban wildlife and pollinator-friendly planting, London Now reports, where further details of the event can be found.
At the centre of the experience is the Big Green Leaf installation, where children can explore a magical mini-beast world and see life from an insect's perspective.
Storytelling sessions introduce young visitors to three quirky characters: Gordon Rams-Bee, Ladle Bug, and Paul Holly-Worm.
These characters help families understand the vital role of pollinators and insects in supporting Croydon's urban ecosystem, food production, and biodiversity.
The sessions emphasise that small changes—whether on a balcony, in a garden, or on a sunny windowsill—can make a meaningful difference to wildlife.
The programme also connects planting with cooking, showing how growing edible flowers and herbs can benefit both pollinators and family meals.
A variety of free drop-in workshops will run from 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm each day.
One of the workshops, 'Herb Planting,' gives families the chance to plant herb seeds in biodegradable pots to take home.
These herbs will support pollinators when they flower, while also encouraging home-grown cooking.
Another activity, 'DIY Bug Hotels,' invites children to build small habitats for beneficial insects.
These bug hotels create safe spaces for wildlife and help improve biodiversity in urban areas.
There is also a 'Plantable Seed Card Decorating' workshop.
Using recycled seed paper, children can design spring-themed cards that can be planted to grow wildflowers, providing nectar for bees and butterflies.
All workshops are free, operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and require no booking.
Beyond the main installation, families can also take part in a free seed trail across the Centrale & Whitgift centre.
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Participating stores will display a different herb or pollinator-friendly flower for you to collect.
Those who find all six will pick up a special insect sticker of your choice!
By collecting and planting the seeds, families can create wildlife-friendly grow zones at home.
This extends the impact of the event beyond the half term, helping to boost biodiversity across Croydon.
From window boxes to garden beds, each seed planted contributes to habitats for pollinators.
"Spring into Croydon" is a drop-in event with no booking required.
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