Why are you carrying a sink?

A wandering information kiosk... coming to you rather then expecting you to come to me. Here to answer any questions you may have on the wilder-side of London. I go first. Pease ask me why am I carrying a sink?

London is blessed with 49% green space and a large number of these parks and open spaces are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. - SINCs for short. Wild places full of wildlife of all kinds; ancient woodland, flower-rich meadows, lush wetlands.
Many people have never heard of these places and what they can offer to people.

I'm here to change that, bringing information to anyone enquisitative enough to ask.

You live in Southwark, have you been to Red Cross Gardens? A tiny SINC tucked away behind the Tate Modern ....a beautiful little place, with a wildlife pond celebrating Octavia Hill, one of the founding members of The National Trust. Recognised for her ground breaking work, she believed open space and clean air were important to familes working in factories.

Or

Newham, my favourite borough. The greenway, over Bazelgette's sewer and West Ham Park, a large little known park/SINC with the national collection of liquidamber trees (sweet gum) in the world. Newham is also a place full of hope and resilience rippling out from the 55 strong community garden spaces: green and blue places managed by residents and charitable organisations.

Did you know London has just published a Local Nature Recovery Strategy? Every borough will have one too, suggesting ways that SINCs can be better connected, richer in wildlife and better accessible to local people.

Author: Rosie Whicheloe, 04/06/2026