Green Urban Adventures in Victoria Embankment Gardens

As part of Fellows Fest tomorrow, I will be leading an outdoor urban adventure to the nearest green space: Victoria Embankment Gardens. This post is here to share some of my observations from my last visit a few weeks ago!

Want to give this a go yourself? Join us for the PGP session at RSA’s London Fellows Fest! I hope to see you on The Steps!

Dr Lee Fallin on The Steps at the RSA House CoffeeHouse.

So often, we are stuck in urban spaces. Stuck inside. When we are outside, we too often focus on it as a site of transition. The space we walk through to get from one building to the next. Instead, I’m calling on you to be present. Don’t just walk through the space. Be in the space. Connect with the space. What new discoveries will you make? What will you see?

Glorious green canopies

In springtime the trees have full canopies, full of lush green leaves. Instead of rushing through the gardens to your next stop, take time to look up. What will you see?

Activity and movement among the greenery

The gardens is now a static place. From the wind blowing the green leaves, to the movement of people – the space is fully of activity. You will also see fitness equipment, a small playpark and a fitness route. The park encourages movement. You can also see much movement in the built and natural environment – from birds hopping about to the constant movement of the Millenium wheel or park fountains. What will you see moving when you are there?

Flora

The garden is in full bloom this spring – with explosions of colour throughout. Why not see if you can identify some of the plants? What is your favourite?

Fauna in the green

Sometimes we may just seen evidence of animals such as this feather, or you may be able to spot some birds or small mammals hopping around. Be present in the space and see what you can find.

Okay – these pictures are not great – but the best I could grab on my phone.

Memorialisation and memory

Even though this park is a green space, it is with one of the UK’s most urbanised spaces. Parks are often a site of memory and memorialisation. What can you see on your walk today?

What next?

I hope to see you at Fellows Fest – but if not – why not take your own urban adventure and discover what green spaces you can find in a city near you?

One thought to “Green Urban Adventures in Victoria Embankment Gardens”

  1. It was great to see you at this event Lee. I was inspired – and can’t quite believe we all ended up walking through the bushes!

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