Published on 25 July 2025, by Wilhelmina Bunn

The initiative aims to help local people connect with the newly developed Nine Elms Linear Park, while building a stronger sense of community and awareness around nature, sustainability, and climate change.

Nine Elms Linear Park is being completed in phases and is already beginning to reshape the local area. With new pathways, green spaces, and planting schemes, it’s a good time to bring residents and organisations together to make the most of this new public space. The project will begin with two autumn gatherings, based at our Living Room venue - District Café in Embassy Gardens - which will act as an informal home for the Friends group.

The first events will include informal exhibitions, talks with the park’s designers, guided walks through the park, and free refreshments. These gatherings will give people a chance to learn how the park was designed, understand the role of nature in urban planning, and meet others who are interested in shaping how the space is used going forward.

Longer term, Friends of Nine Elms Parks will develop a programme of seasonal activities -from taking part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, to hosting art and craft sessions for children and families, to supporting larger events that bring the park to life. There is also an ambition to connect more people with local gardening and greening projects, and to build understanding of how climate and seasonal changes can be better reflected in daily urban life.

The project is being led by a team with experience running events in Nine Elms, including Happy Streets, The Living Room series at District Café, and a number of family and wellbeing activities. Volunteers and partners will include local residents, artists, and organisations such as the Power Station Rotary Club and Nine Elms Arts Ministry, supported by our community platform www.nineelms.org.

This project is rooted in several key themes: making space for nature, building green skills, and encouraging learning about climate change. At its core, it’s about encouraging people to take notice of the natural world on their doorstep and to develop a shared sense of responsibility for the places they live in. It’s also a chance to celebrate a major new public space in London and to build a lasting community presence around it.

Further details of the first events will be shared soon. Local residents, workers, and anyone with an interest in the future of Nine Elms Linear Park are welcome to take part.