Wolves Lane Garden Centre is an amazing community resource in Wood Green which is threatened with closure by Haringey budget cuts. It provides education and training facilities for local schools (linked to the national curriculum) and for people with physical and learning disabilities, as well as volunteering opportunities, and is a wonderful place to visit for all the family - as well as plants for sale, it has Palm, Cactus and 'Rainforest' houses, a variety of small animals, and a cafe (part of the venue can also be hired).
One resident wrote that the centre is 'an oasis of peace and tranquillity', adding that 'the loss of Wolves Lane would be the loss of one of Haringey's jewels'. Another wrote 'it is an invaluable resource for local schools. What child doesn't want to meet a hissing cockroach or get tickled by a stick insect?'. I remember when the centre provided very cheap plants for sale at my daughter's Wood Green primary school summer fair, which was invaluable (it also provides plants for Haringey's parks).
Please sign the petition to save the centre - this has been set up by their support group which is trying to work out with the Council ways to raise money for the centre. Deadline is the end of March.
Replies
The plants for the Palace Gates Road Residents Association's gardening projects came from Wolves Lane and they researched nurseries that could provide native English hedge roses and wildflowers. And all of it at a bargain price.
The place could be rented for private parties; is huge and well lit, with a well equipped kitchen. My kids attended a few children's parties there in their time. I don't know if that is still going on, but the place is definitely worth preserving. Its bedding plants are cheaper than anywhere else.
I've signed the petition and will be really sad if Wolves Lane garden centre closes. I have bought some lovely plants there, which were all grown from seed on site.