MHA The Wilderness

The Wilderness is a haven for wildlife and a hidden gem. Rev. William Wilks (1843-1923), vicar of St Johns Church in Shirley was a keen horticulturist, and secretary general of the RHS for thirty-two years. He was an enthusiastic botanist and a disciple of William Robinson, a prominent wildlife gardener and writer. After purchasing land adjacent to the vicarage in 1904, Wilks set about creating a 'natural' garden and on retirement in 1912, he built a house naming it The Wilderness. After Wilks' death, the garden remained in existence and was bequeathed to MHA in 1958, when it became Hall Grange care home. From the late 1980's the garden became overgrown and was ‘lost’. A local librarian Lucy Rogers, long championed the garden and it's significant ecological value. This included the rare bog habitat and was until recently a Site of Metropolitan Interest, given the rare species and being one of very few such habitats in the greater London area. In 2018, with National Heritage Lottery funding the garden began its conservation journey to continue Wilks' legacy of enhancing and encouraging native species and wildlife and promoting sustainable gardening practices. This is being realised with a team of dedicated volunteers working alongside the Head Gardener, Lucy James. The garden's design is fully accessible to residents in next door MHA Hall Grange. It is a much valued, utilised and inclusive green space for the local community and organisations to promote wellbeing in nature.

A self-guided tour will available throughout the day, along with guided tours at set times.

Timings

Sunday 20 September:

1200-1700. Tours: 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 & 1600.

Location & directions

MHA The Wilderness, 17 Shirley Church Rd, Croydon, Greater London, CR9 5AL

Directions:

MHA The Wilderness is located behind MHA Hall Grange. The garden is accessed via a green metal gate in the right-hand corner of Hall Grange Care Home's carpark.

Contact on day:

Mrs Lucy James

Telephone number:

+447858376314

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Tours will take place on the hour - 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 and the last tour 1600.

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

45 minute(s)

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