Royal Entomological Society insect garden to enhance wildlife and educate children on biodiversity at Stratford Cross

In a partnership between Lendlease and The Royal Entomological Society, an insect garden designed by award-winning garden designer Tom Massey for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has been relocated and permanently installed at Stratford Cross.  

The centrepiece of the garden is an outdoor laboratory, designed to be a hub for education and interaction. This summer, as part of the launch programme, the garden will host an augmented reality bug trail featuring animation studio Aardman's ‘Lloyd of the Flies’. The trail invites visitors to help Lloyd locate his friends and guide them back to the garden's ‘luxury bug hotel’. Using Aardman’s augmented reality app, visitors can explore The Royal Entomological Society Garden and other green spaces, learning about insects through an interactive experience.  

Awarded the RHS Silver-Gilt Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2023, this relocation to Stratford Cross marks the third time Lendlease have collaborated with leading garden designer Tom Massey. Previous projects include the Hothouse, created for London Design Festival 2020, and a mobile orchard in the quarter’s Endeavour Square.  

The garden is expected to become an attraction for families and insect lovers, promoting education around biodiversity, sustainability and entomology for all ages in Newham. Its relocation has been funded by Project Giving Back, Lendlease, SHIFT, and Royal Entomological Society supporters. 

The Royal Entomological Society is partnering with Newham Council to offer an adult learning course on biodiversity that will use the garden as a centre for study. In the coming months, a new education programme for local schools will also be launched, aimed at inspiring young insect scientists through garden visits.   

The garden not only offers an educational experience but also showcases the vital role of insects in urban environments. Featuring diverse plantings and habitats made from sustainable materials, the garden promotes biodiversity and provides year-round resources for pollinators and other beneficial insects.  

The garden is located within Stratford Cross’ extensive 1.04m sq ft of office space, retail and leisure facilities, soon to be complemented by the 350,000 sq ft of Grade A space in the upcoming Turing Building. Positioned alongside the academic and cultural heavyweights of the East Bank – including UCL East, V&A East, and UAL – and the SHIFT Innovation District on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the garden is the latest example of how Stratford is emerging as one of the country’s leading hubs for culture, business and learning.  

Guy Thomas, Head of Retail & Place Assets, Lendlease, said: “Sustainability, innovation, and collaboration run through everything we do at Stratford Cross. Nestled just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s most famous cultural and academic institutions at the East Bank, including UCL and the V&A, the new Royal Entomological Society Garden will embody all these values. It will not only promote biodiversity and local wildlife in Stratford but be a shared resource for education and research for all ages. We’re excited to kick off the garden’s life in Stratford with the arrival of the Lloyd of the Flies ‘Bug Hunt’ and to engage residents and visitors in the fascinating world of insects this summer.” 

Simon Ward, CEO at the Royal Entomological Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lloyd as our first insect ambassador and to partner with Aardman and Lendlease to launch the interactive ‘Bug Hunt’ at Stratford Cross. Our huge thanks go to Lendlease, SHIFT and Project Giving Back for helping bring The Royal Entomological Society Garden to East London as a permanent urban haven for insects and insect science. We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of insect scientists – whose fascination with insects often starts in childhood - so Lloyd is ideally placed to help us encourage children and their families to see the world through the eyes of an insect and appreciate their vital role in the health of humans and the planet.” 

Matthew Walker from Aardman, creator and director of Lloyd of the Flies comments: “We created Lloyd of the Flies to bring the fascinating world of insects to children in a fun and accessible way so the partnership with the Royal Entomological Society and the team at Lendlease is a perfect way to celebrate Lloyd’s appeal. Having spoken to Lloyd himself ahead of the big Bug Hunt launch at Stratford Cross, I can confirm that he can’t wait to explore The Royal Entomological Society Garden for himself and introduce his friends to the fantastic habitats and sources of food for insects that it offers!” 

Tom Massey, designer of the Royal Entomological Society Garden, said: “The vast majority of the UK’s population live in urban areas, so we must consider brownfield sites as important for biodiversity as more rural locations. Stratford Cross is a fantastic example of how it’s possible to deliver a sustainable built environment that prioritises benefits for both people and nature. It is great to see the garden come to life in its permanent home as a platform for The Royal Entomological Society to raise awareness of insects and their importance in the global environment and to welcome families and young people to enjoy the garden this summer alongside Lloyd of the Flies!”  

For further information about the Royal Entomological Society Garden - Click Here