MHA The Wilderness

MHA The Wilderness An award winning, historic garden at MHA Hall Grange care home in Croydon, London.

The Wilderness is a historic garden created by the Rev William Wilks, who was Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society from 1888 to 1920. The seven-acre garden is now part of the grounds of Hall Grange care home, run by national older person's charity MHA. The aim of Rev Wilks was to design and manage the grounds as a naturalistic heathland garden. The Wilderness, based in Shirley, Croydon is

a wild garden that is being brought back to life for the local community with support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Our Flower Fairy Trail starts again from 1st July through to 30th September.  Come along and find our 10 fairies around ...
27/06/2025

Our Flower Fairy Trail starts again from 1st July through to 30th September.

Come along and find our 10 fairies around the garden along with their accompanying songs.

Cicely Mary Barker (28th June 1895 - 16th February 1973) was an illustrator who was born and lived in Croydon. Many of the fairies were based on local children where she lived in South Croydon.

The garden is generally open 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

We are also open on:

Saturday 26th July for Ubuntu Making it possible event 12-3pm

Sunday 17th August 11am - 2pm Wilderness Sunday event

Sunday 21st September 12 - 5pm London Open House event

For more information contact [email protected]

This trail is FREE, but we do welcome donations to assist with maintenance and development of the garden and our activities.

Photo credit for poppies: Tina Ajayi

Flower Fairies re-produced courtesy of Penguin Books

The Wilderness is taking part in Croydon Libraries Green Spaces Open Day on Saturday 28th June, 11am - 4pm. Discover mor...
25/06/2025

The Wilderness is taking part in Croydon Libraries Green Spaces Open Day on Saturday 28th June, 11am - 4pm.

Discover more about Croydon's green spaces with stalls from other wildlife and nature groups. Find out how you can volunteer and take part in activities.

There will be a talk on the borough's green spaces as well as a special children's event.

Croydon Central Library, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET.

Come join Ubuntu Making it Possible's Dance To Thrive Natured Up event for an afternoon filled with fun, and good well-b...
22/06/2025

Come join Ubuntu Making it Possible's Dance To Thrive Natured Up event for an afternoon filled with fun, and good well-being experiences with delicious food sampling. Enjoy uplifting African ance that connects generations. No experience needed for this fun day!

Saturday July 26th 12-3pm

Everyone is welcome.

Peace of Mind for well-being

All ages are invited to enjoy the natural green space environment for a natural open space freshness and mingling.

Healthy Habits

Free delicious African & Caribbean food taster sampling and mindful eating practice.

Move Our Body In Nature

Join the joyful and fun intergenerational experience that brings people together through rhythm, movement, singing and stories in a beautiful natural setting.

Please let us know for any access requirements

To book your FREE ticket, visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dance-to-thrive-natured-up-free-intergenarational-workshops-for-all-tickets-1378576592699?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For more information: [email protected]

Our poppies are in full bloom at the moment, including the legendary Shirley poppy.  This variety was bred by Rev. Wilks...
21/06/2025

Our poppies are in full bloom at the moment, including the legendary Shirley poppy. This variety was bred by Rev. Wilks, the creator of The Wilderness over a 100 years ago and still grows in the garden today.

Slow it down and join a FREE mobility friendly walk this Monday (23rd June) at 11am or visit the garden between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

For more information go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mindful-stroll-in-mha-the-wilderness-all-mobilities-welcome-tickets-1054234316219?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Or email [email protected]

Photo credit: Tina Ajayi

Sunday 8th June 2025  11am to 2pm (Last entry 1.30pm)FREE ENTRY (We do welcome donations to support maintenance, develop...
06/06/2025

Sunday 8th June 2025 11am to 2pm (Last entry 1.30pm)

FREE ENTRY

(We do welcome donations to support maintenance, development and community events)

Refreshments available and plant stall

For more information email : [email protected]

Come join Ubuntu Making it Possible's Dance To Thrive Natured Up event for an afternoon filled with fun, and good well-b...
05/06/2025

Come join Ubuntu Making it Possible's Dance To Thrive Natured Up event for an afternoon filled with fun, and good well-being experiences with delicious food sampling. Enjoy uplifting African ance that connects generations. No experience needed for this fun day!

Everyone is welcome.

Peace of Mind for well-being

All ages are invited to enjoy the natural green space environment for a natural open space freshness and mingling.

Healthy Habits

Free delicious African & Caribbean food taster sampling and mindful eating practice.

Move Our Body In Nature

Join the joyful and fun intergenerational experience that brings people together through rhythm, movement, singing and stories in a beautiful natural setting.

Please let us know for any access requirements

To book your FREE ticket, visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dance-to-thrive-natured-up-free-intergenarational-workshops-for-all-tickets-1378576592699?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For more information: [email protected]

Ubuntu Making It Possible Natured Up will be at The Wilderness on Saturday 26th July 12.00pm to 3.00pm.Get dancing and d...
01/06/2025

Ubuntu Making It Possible Natured Up will be at The Wilderness on Saturday 26th July 12.00pm to 3.00pm.

Get dancing and drumming, whilst spending time in nature.

All ages welcome and no previous experience needed.

The Wilderness will be open 11am to 2pm on Sunday 8th June.  Entry is free, though we do welcome donations to assist us ...
31/05/2025

The Wilderness will be open 11am to 2pm on Sunday 8th June.

Entry is free, though we do welcome donations to assist us with development and maintenance of the garden and deliver events and activities within the community.

Light refreshments available and a plant stall.

Dog on leads are very welcome.

20/05/2025
Are you looking for a beautiful and unique location to hire for that special event? MHA The Wilderness is available to h...
19/05/2025

Are you looking for a beautiful and unique location to hire for that special event?

MHA The Wilderness is available to hire for group meetings, children's parties, celebrations and short courses.

We have the flexibility of our indoor heated cabin space with capacity for up to 15 people and tea making facilities, and our outdoor classroom with capacity for 20+, as well as the 5 acres of wild garden.

Please contact Lucy for more information: [email protected]

MHA The Wilderness is open on Sunday 18th May 12 - 5pm.  Entry is £5 per adult, and free for children.  All entrance pro...
16/05/2025

MHA The Wilderness is open on Sunday 18th May 12 - 5pm.
Entry is £5 per adult, and free for children.

All entrance proceeds go to NGS.

Light refreshments, including homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks available and plants for sale.

Guided walks throughout the day including one given by Lucy James, the head gardener at 2pm. Self-guided tours also available.

Dogs on leads are very welcome. 🐾

Address

Croydon

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