The Grounds of the Ecology Centre were until recent years known as the 'Lodgelands', as they were the old gardens of The Lodge in Carshalton. They were used as a tree nursery by the Parks Department until the early eighties, when they became surplus to requirements. After a public debate on the future use of the Lodgelands, in 1987 it was formally agreed to preserve the area as an open space for public use.

Three development schemes were submitted for public approval, the third of which, for a 'Borough Ecology Field Centre' (as it was then to be named), was chosen. Members of the public, council members, and council were all very keen on the idea, and suggestions of what could be at the Centre got more exciting - not just wildlife, but recycling, alternative technology, organic gardening. The need for a centre building was realised, and suggestions that were looked into ranged from a wooden pavilion to an underground building! Finally they fixed on the Grade II listed building The Old Rectory, which was occupied by various groups, but under-used and in desperate need of renovation.

The Grounds were designed by Marion Wardell, a council Landscape Architect. The major works - pond, paths, pond-dipping platform and bridge - all had to be completed during the spring of 1989. The Old Rectory was re-organised and redecorated, and an office created out of the old servant's quarters.

In July 1989 the Centre was opened by Professor David Bellamy. Since then the Ecology Centre has provided a focus for environmental, ecological and wildlife initiatives in Sutton. The dedicated team of staff has included over 200 full and part-time volunteers. These Volunteers have helped create: a large pond and marsh area, planted areas of woodland, established spring and summer meadows, developed organic vegetable gardens, greenhouse and forest garden, planned and built alternative energy, composting and recycling displays, as well as running innovative environmental education activities.

These are some of the highlights...

1989: the first Summer Holiday Activities were run, nearly 2000 children came.

1990: the Recycling Area and Exhibit Gardens were constructed, and planted up the following winter and spring; the Grounds were declared a Local Nature Reserve; the Alternative Energy Display was initiated.

1991: the Butterfly Garden was created by 12th Carshalton Guides and the ‘Owls Shop’ at the Ecology Centre wins a Civic Pride Award.

1992: the Forest Garden was created by Kingston Permaculture Group and the Walled Garden reconstruction began.

1993: ‘Wildlife Package Tours’ were initiated, and Education Strategy written.

1994: original grounds plans completed, taught school sessions offered for the first time, disabled access lift and accessible toilets installed and Bioregional Projects Group moved into Old Rectory.

1995: 'London in Bloom' award won, new Three Year Development Plan written in consultation with users and Organic Garden Party.

1996: 'London in Bloom' award won again and Sensory Garden initiated.

1997: ‘The Bug’ outdoor shelter was finished, and opened by the Deputy Mayor Councillor Mike Lyons. Two prestigious awards for good practice in environmental education: a ‘Millennium Marque’ first stage, and the UK-MAB Sites of Excellence Award.

1998: further refurbishment of the Old Rectory including extra toilets! Plus further improvements to disabled access, resulting in Freeway Access Award for above improvements.

1999: Sensory Garden finished and 10th Birthday Party! Saturday opening began in November.

2000: Saturday walks and activities offered as part of Wildlife 2000, Millennium Marque awarded for environmental sustainability and 25,000th school child visits the centre!

2001: Teamed up with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to bring the “Energy Matters” programme to local schools.

2002: Investing in Volunteers Standard achieved and received Eco-Centres Award for sustainable management. Bioregional Projects Group moved to the BedZed Centre, but we were able to rent their rooms to another organisation, so there was no gap in income.

2003: Won Gold Green apple award for helping set up gardening clubs in schools. Received a certificate of recognition in appreciation of continued support for work experience. Funding from the National Lottery Wildspace Fund will allow us to update the interpretation signs in the grounds, improve security and employ a part time community liaison officer, to further improve the grounds and increase the range of people who access them. Lucy Dean ‘The Hive’ moved into the cellar as our artist in residence.

You cannot say the Centre will ever actually be 'finished'! It will continue to mature and change, as different people become involved. Future plans include a lavender maze, a low-water garden, and education outreach worker in schools, adult training events and more schools educational programmes.