Connecting with Nature (and Walking Backwards!) in the Olympic Park

What a fantastic way to spend a lunch break! Last week (8th of July 2025), I had the absolute pleasure of leading a “Natural Connections” walk for a wonderful bunch from the Financial Conduct Authority’s Sustainability Group. Starting from their offices, we stepped out of the corporate world and into the green heart of Stratford – the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Our mission was to explore the theme of “connection” in all its forms. We marvelled at the genius of the park’s landscape designers, like Piet Oudolf and Nigel Dunnett, who transformed an industrial landscape into a thriving, interconnected ecosystem. We looked at how the drifts of perennial flowers and wild meadows create vital corridors for pollinators, allowing nature to build resilient networks right here in the city.

This led us to think about our own role in this urban ecosystem. We discussed how simple actions, like creating log piles for insects or letting a patch of our garden grow wild, can provide crucial micro-habitats. It’s these small, connected pockets of wilderness, just like the ones encouraged by our Natural Neighbours charity, that help our urban wildlife to thrive.

The walk itself was a new record for me – I think I spent the longest continuous period of my life walking backwards as I chatted with the group! It was worth every reverse step to see the engagement and hear the brilliant questions from the FCA team.

One of the most thought-provoking moments came when we paused and listened. Or rather, listened to the quiet. We collectively wondered: where was the birdsong? In such a green and vibrant space, the relative silence was a stark reminder of the pressures our urban bird populations face. It highlighted the importance of creating diverse habitats that provide not just food, but also the safe nesting sites and cover that songbirds need to truly flourish. It’s a question that will stay with me.

The biggest connection of all, though, was the one we felt ourselves. Taking just 45 minutes to immerse ourselves in nature, to notice the textures of the leaves and the hum of the bees, was a powerful reminder of what the latest science tells us: connecting with the natural world is fundamental to our own health and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to the FCA’s Sustainability Group for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and great company. The energy was fantastic, and it’s clear we share a passion for enhancing the green spaces on our doorstep. We are incredibly keen to do this again. Whether it’s with more staff from the FCA or with other businesses based around Stratford’s International Quarter, let’s get out there and explore the natural wonders we have right here. If your team fancies a walk, please get in touch!