A FREE Family Nature Adventure Supporting Biodiversity
This half term, step beneath the leafy canopy and discover a magical mini-beast world in the heart of Croydon.
Spring into Croydon is a FREE, family-friendly nature experience designed to inspire children and families to support biodiversity while having fun together.
Shrink down to insect size, explore the undergrowth and uncover the vital role wildlife plays in helping Croydon thrive.
This event is free to attend, no booking needed, just turn up on the day of your choice.
Event Dates & Times
3rd, 4th, 6th 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th April
(Closed 5th April – Easter Sunday)
Daily workshop sessions:
11.30am – 1.30pm
2.30pm – 4.30pm
All activities are FREE to take part.
What to Expect
Beneath a playful leafy canopy, visitors will be welcomed into a miniature world where storytelling, creativity and hands-on activities bring nature to life.
Families can meet our special characters Gordon Rams-bee, Ladle-bug and Paul Holly-worm, Together, they are nature-loving kitchen pioneers and soil champions on a mission to show just how much worms, bees and their underground friends do to help plants, trees, herbs, and gardens flourish.
Through storytelling and interactive moments families will discover:
- The vital role insects and pollinators play in Croydon
- How biodiversity supports our urban environment
- Simple things we can all do at home to help wildlife thrive.
Meet the team
Gordon Rams-bee: Head chef of the hive and resident under the Big Green Leaf. Gordon isn’t just passionate about what’s on the plate. He peppers every conversation with fascinating facts about pollination, biodiversity and the tiny winged workers who keep our world blooming.
He reminds visitors that without insects, our favourite fruits, herbs and vegetables simply wouldn’t exist. Championing garden-to-table cooking, Gordon inspires families to grow their own herbs at home — showing how a humble windowsill pot can support pollinators and add bold, fresh flavour to everyday meals.
Ladle- bug: Junior Chef in Training and eager apprentice, Ladle-bug loves experimenting with herbs, edible flowers and fresh ingredients. Under Gordon’s guidance, she’s learning that great cooking starts with nature and that the smallest creatures play the biggest role in helping our food grow.
Paul Holly-worm: The storytelling worm and culinary eco-poet extraordinaire, Paul is a true wordsmith of the soil, He’s has been wriggling his way through the earth for years, spreading his important message with a pinch of passion and a generous helping of heart.
Full of fun facts, quirky wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm, Paul invites young explorers to listen, wiggle, and discover the secret life beneath their feet. Whether leading a wiggle-along, sharing stories from the soil, or inspiring little ones to become nature-powered food heroes, Paul proves that the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference — both in the garden and in the kitchen.
FREE Drop-In Workshops
Workshops run on rotation each day and are completely FREE. No booking required.
🌱 Herb Planting
Plant your own herbs to take home and grow. Fresh flavour for your meals and food for pollinators when they flower.
🐞DIY Bug Hotels
Create mini habitats that provide shelter for beneficial insects and support biodiversity at home.
🌸 Plantable Seed Paper Cards
Make your own seed-infused paper creation and grow wildflowers that help Croydon bloom.
Sessions operate on a drop-in basis during the times listed above.
Join the FREE Seed Trail
Explore the centres and take part in our FREE family seed trail.
Pick up your map from the Giant Leaf, visit participating retailers, collect your FREE seeds and create your own wildlife-friendly grow zone at home.
Each seed planted helps provide
- Nectar for bees and butterflies
- Habitat for insects
- Support the urban biodiversity in Croydon
From balconies and window boxes to garden, every plant makes a difference.
Collect them all and pick up a special sticker from Paul Holly-worm at the end!
Supporting Biodiversity in Croydon
Spring into Croydon is a celebration of the wildlife that shares our town. By planting herbs, flowers and pollinator-friendly plants, families can support local biodiversity, provide vital food sources for insects, create small but meaningful habitats and inspire children to care for nature.
Small actions at home can have a big impact across Croydon.
Where to find us
Under the giant leaf in Centrale (opposite Sports Direct)