In an effort to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for the world we share, Nature + Love is a project at the Horniman Museum and Gardens that creates a space that is both inclusive and accessible.

Principal contractor Blakedown Landscapes has announced the completion of a major development within the project. Working alongside Feilden Fowles Architects, J & L Gibbons and Focus Consultants, the project has delivered a series of new visitor spaces, landscape improvements and ecological features across the site.

A new café, Kusuma Nature Play area, new glasshouse and community garden are now completed, fit with extensive planting and pathways as well as sustainable drainage systems.

The new community garden features new swales, a rain garden and below ground bioretention systems to help manage surface water run-off across the steeply sloping site. Adorned with new planting, the area enhances biodiversity, education and public engagement with nature.

Gordon Seabright, chief executive of the Horniman Museum and Gardens comments on the completed works:

“Blakedown Landscapes’ knowledge and expertise has helped us to unlock formerly underused areas of our Gardens to improve access and create wonderful new outdoor experiences, ensuring that all our visitors can connect with the natural world, now and in the future.”

Chris Wellbelove, managing director of Blakedown Landscapes, says the phase has been “Horniman Nature + Love project has seen a significant transformational redevelopment which we have been proud to deliver,” adding:

“The completed works deliver a range of new visitor spaces alongside significant landscape and ecological improvements, supporting biodiversity, accessibility and public engagement with nature.”

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Nature + Love project will also see a redisplay of the historic national history gallery, opening in early 2027.