Nature and tranquillity in the heart of the city

Our four garden squares - Portman Square, Bryanston Square, Montagu Square and Manchester Square - all contribute significantly to the Estate’s biodiversity value.

While these are private gardens, they provide an excellent natural habitat for local wildlife. We work with each garden’s committee to maximise the biodiversity of these spaces, planting species to attract butterflies, bees and other insects, installing bug hotels and bird boxes, and creating leaf litter areas to increase bird and other wildlife numbers. Birds frequently seen in the area include the great spotted woodpecker, wrens, blackbirds, wagtails, starlings, magpies, carrier crows, blue tits and wood pigeons. Whilst the garden squares are private, they are open to the public for certain events throughout the year. The Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID host their annual Summer in the Square at Portman Square Garden where they offer free Wimbledon screenings and provide a programme of health and wellbeing activities.

  

Tree Planting scheme

We have been continuously exploring opportunities to plant trees on the Estate through a tree mapping exercise. Working closely with Westminster City Council, we have planted over 70 new trees on the Estate since 2020 with more planned for the future.

The tree planting scheme aims to optimise canopy cover, bringing shade and wellbeing benefits, as well as supporting Westminster City Council’s commitment to improve air quality and respond to the ecological emergency. We worked closely with an arboriculturist to survey the potential new sites and select the most appropriate species for the locations. Strong support for the scheme has been received through engagement with the Marylebone Forum, Baker Street Quarter Partnership, Marble Arch London BID and the Wallace Collection.

The range of species that were selected include:

  • Pyrus calleryana chanticleer
  • Amelanchier robin hill 
  • Betula ermanii
  • Koelreuteria paniculata
  • Prunus Pandora

These greening initiatives help to enhance and bring to life the public realm in and around Marylebone, creating a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood for residents, workers and visitors. We are committed to encouraging biodiversity across the Estate and surrounding areas and recognise the genuine long-term benefits from doing so.

1,000th tree planted on the Estate

In 2022 we reached a proud milestone in partnership with the Westminster City Council Tree Trust and the wider community of Marylebone and Fitzrovia, when the 1,000th tree was planted on the Estate.  This milestone planting also contributes to The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, a unique initiative launched to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.