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Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, A Secret Nature Reserve in London

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A local’s visit to London’s Ackroyd Drive Greenlink in East London close to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park – a secret street art spot and a nature reserve!

The first time I ever came across the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink was by total chance; I can’t remember where I was coming from, but I know I was on my way to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park nearby.

Needless to say, I was dumbfounded when I found yet another street art spot, unexpectedly, on an unassuming grey, rainy day.

It had rained shortly before I reached the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, so it was muddy and slippery under my feet, but I managed to get up close and personal with all the murals along the railway.

So I would that if you’re willing to discover a new hidden gem in London, you may want to see what the place looks like!

Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, A Secret Nature Reserve in London

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Should you have read other guides and reviews here before, you’ll already know how much of a secret gardens enthusiast I am.

I’ve actually showed you quite a few of them in the past, from Postman’s Park to Mark Street Gardens and, most recently, Kyoto Garden and the fabulous Exchange Square close to Liverpool Street station.

I’m equally as passionate about street art – there are many London neighborhoods dotted with murals, sculptures, and other colorful houses.

When it comes to the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, it’s a Local Nature Reserve (like the nearby Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park) that is quite small – it covers a little less than an hectare.

The Greenlink itself forms a link between Mile End Park and Tower Cemetery Park, helping wildlife move through the city.

There, you can spot invertebrates, butterflies, and various bird species, alongside wildflowers.

For those wanting to see a bit of nature in London, you’ll love the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink and the other parts of the Local Nature Reserve; the cemetery park and nearby Scrapyard Meadow.

What’s interesting is that the murals along the railway are coherent with the research of creating a link between urbanity and green spaces, with endangered species and the phrase ‘All of nature rests in the hands of man’s wisdom’ painted along the way.

Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, East London Photo Gallery

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Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, A Secret Nature Reserve in London

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If you’re into secret places, nature and raw nature, you’ll love popping by the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink.

It’s not a huge place, and I seem to remember there’s only a bench or two (or maybe none at all), so it shouldn’t take you long to walk along the railway and enjoy the paintings.

Should you be interested in discovering other hidden gems I’ve come across while walking around London, here are a few spots you may enjoy once you’re done with the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink:

Ackroyd Drive Greenlink London
Address: Ackroyd Dr, London E3 4AT
Website: FOTHCP