Nature and tranquility in the heart of the city

We are committed to improving access to green spaces and increasing biodiversity across the Estate for all who live and work here.

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, carrion crows, blue tits and wood pigeons.

Our four garden squares

Portman Square

Portman Square

Portman Square

Manchester Square

Portman Square

Bryanston Square

Portman Square

Montagu Square

Creating new green spaces across the Estate is important to us. In 2018 we co-funded the creation of a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in partnership with several local organisations.

Designed by Kate Gould, the garden won a coveted gold medal and was subsequently named The Wild West Garden and installed on Old Quebec Street. This closed the street to traffic and turned it into a peaceful green area, providing a new micro-habitat for wildlife and plants.

We helped create a pocket park on George Street

Working with the Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Derwent London, the underused space close to Baker Street has been transformed into a greener space where people can rest and relax. The space also features regular food stall pop-ups.

We are always looking to develop more green space initiatives across the Estate. Trees have been planted along many of the Estate’s streets and window boxes installed in various areas to link up our green spaces. We work closely with residents' groups and with Westminster City Council to maximise these opportunities.

We are a founding member of Wild West End

A collaboration with some of central London’s largest property owners to encourage birds, bees and bats back into the area and to create greater connections with nature for all those spending time in London’s West End.

See Wild West End website

Portman Square Garden

Portman Square Garden is a private garden square of approximately one hectare (2.47 acres). Shaded by magnificent London plane trees, the garden has a lawn, winding paths and informal planting. It is a secluded and peaceful place in which to relax, featuring a children’s play area and tennis court. Access to Portman Square is reserved for those who live or work on the Estate, by subscription only.

First laid out around 1780, the garden was completely re-landscaped in the early 1900s. Its railings and gates were erected in 1882–1886, but the railings were removed in 1942 as part of the war effort. They were restored in 1972. The original gates remain and feature some fine examples of overthrow lanterns.

Portman Square Garden is available to hire for parties and corporate events and is equipped with lighting and power for this purpose. It is an elegant and exclusive venue with excellent transport links for guests.

Please contact Westbourne Block Management for any questions relating to the garden or events:

Telephone: 020 3987 5050
Email: info@wb19.co.uk
“We work with each garden’s committee to maximise the biodiversity of these spaces”