Take a tour of our Nature Interpretation Centre

April 2023 saw the opening of Heath Hands’ Nature Interpretation Centre. Situated close to Kenwood House, the centre now provides an educational and welcoming space where the public can learn more about the wildlife they may find across the Heath.

Summer at the Dairy, the banks covered in wildflowers.

Inside, we have a wide ranging collection of interesting specimens for visitors to see, all of which have been found on the Heath. Our ‘cabinet of curiosities’ includes a variety of skulls, feathers, owl pellets, birds nests, snake skins and much more.

Knowledgeable Heath Hands volunteers and staff are on hand to show visitors these interesting finds and to explain more about the ecology across the Heath. We also offer out free heath specific species ID guides and maps with suggested walks for visitors to take away with them.

We’re always interested to hear about what you’ve seen on your walks. If you’ve spotted anything of interest to you, please share it with us when you pop in, so we can add it to our recent sightings board. 

Skulls - all found across the Heath

Wildlife Displays

While our interpretation centre promotes an awareness of the Heath’s wildlife, we also display some information and artefacts relating to the history of the building. The Dairy, situated on a small hill to the west of Kenwood House, forms a focal point in this landscape. It was built between 1794-6, designed by architect George Saunders. The three pavilions include a settling room with original marble trays where cream was left to settle. On the opposite side is an octagonal tearoom where guests would have socialised and sampled the fresh produce. The dairy maids would have lived in the middle of the 3 pavilions, where our interpretation centre is today. During the eighteenth century, Warwickshire long horned cattle would have grazed the surrounding meadow.

Recent sightings board

Dairy opening event

Thank you:

Many thanks to English Heritage and to all those who have donated generously to support our project (see below) there is still time to donate click here !

We hope that our Nature Interpretation Centre will continue to connect people to the wildlife across the Heath and other urban green spaces across London.

For opening times and further information please visit here.