The people pollinating Islington together
The award-winning Clerkenwell Pollinator Path is helping bring bees, butterflies and other pollinators back to one of London’s most urban neighbourhoods.
Funded by Islington Council, the project brings together local volunteers who are creating habitats, growing pollinator-friendly plants and helping nature thrive in Clerkenwell. Their efforts were recently recognised at the Islington in Bloom Awards 2026, where the project won both the Nancy Pattenden Wildlife Prize and a neighbourhood award.
We spoke to project lead Sarah about what’s been achieved so far and what’s next.
Bringing people and nature together
Despite a challenging summer marked by drought conditions, Sarah says the awards ceremony was a reminder of the strength of the local community.
“What I loved about the awards night was being surrounded by people who are passionate about supporting nature and supporting each other. There was such a desire to collaborate.”
The project has become well known for finding fun and creative ways to engage residents, including a giant bee costume that made appearances at local events.
“Sometimes environmental issues can feel very serious, and of course the challenges are huge, but a bit of fun can brighten people’s mood and encourage people to engage.”
An award for the whole community
While Sarah accepted the Nancy Pattenden Wildlife Prize on behalf of the project, she is keen to emphasise that the success belongs to many people across the neighbourhood.
Residents have transformed tree pits, window boxes and growing spaces, collected seeds, shared plants and cuttings, built habitats for wildlife and supported community events.
“We’ve let the community lead at every stage. We’ve always followed what people enjoy doing and what can make a positive impact.”
The neighbourhood award recognised the wider effort taking place across Clerkenwell.
“People really connect with nature. They’re proud of their flowers, their bees and their window boxes. It reminds us that we’re a community that cares.”
Clerkenwell Pollinator Path awards (left) and Sarah, project lead, dressed as a bee to collect the awards (right)
Building a network for pollinators
One of the project’s ambitions is to create a network of “pollinator pit stops” across Clerkenwell, making it easier for bees and other pollinating insects to move between green spaces.
A new growing space at St Luke’s Community Centre is helping make that vision a reality. Volunteers are growing plants, collecting seeds and using water butts to make the project increasingly self-sustaining.
The team is also working with partners across the area, including through community growing spaces and the Charterhouse cloister garden, to share plants, skills and expertise.
“It’s all about growing together and sharing together.”
Learning through citizen science
The project is not only creating greener spaces but also helping improve understanding of urban biodiversity.
Working alongside researchers, volunteers are monitoring how pollinators use different habitats and using what they learn to shape future planting and conservation efforts.
“We’re learning all the time. That’s what’s exciting. We’re evolving the strategy based on what we’re seeing.”
The project’s latest findings will be shared at a community event at Charterhouse this December.
Get involved
For Sarah, the project’s success comes down to encouraging people to notice nature, get involved and take pride in their local environment.
“We’ll keep raising awareness, increasing engagement and sharing what we’ve learned. That’s how community projects flourish.”
