Natura Nostra Forest
A growing pocket of green amidst the concrete
Our permanent pocket forest is made up of 390 trees, including 24 native species, that will grow over time to create a natural oasis in the centre of London.
Created using the Miyawaki Method, a technique that allows for quick planting and an almost maintenance-free upkeep, this pocket forest is designed to encourage wildlife and nature to thrive among the concrete architecture of the site.
Installed using a dense style of planting, it reintroduces 24 native British species such as elder, crab apple, dog rose and more to the heart of London.
It is estimated that this pocket forest will provide an average of 3 kilos of sequestered carbon per square metre and a total of 405 kilos each year over the first 20 years of growth. Carbon sequestration is the capturing, removal and storage of carbon dioxide.
The forest’s success will be monitored with yearly biodiversity reports, reflecting the Southbank Centre’s commitment to sustainability.
Delivered in collaboration with Moët & Chandon and urban rewilding organisation SUGi.
Opening times
A public space open all day, every day.
Location
Queen Elizabeth Hall Terrace, Waterloo Bridge Side
Image gallery
For your visit
Hayward Gallery Southbank Centre
The Hayward Gallery is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Plan your visit
The Hayward Gallery is also where you’ll find the HENI Project Space.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
Cloakroom
We have a cloakroom for coats, umbrellas and small bags; it costs £1 per item.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Offering sandwiches, salads, cakes and coffee, Hayward Gallery Cafe is the perfect spot for a pre-exhibition energy boost or a post-visit drink.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.