Some new and unusual friends have recently appeared in Jubilee Gardens to keep our resident grey squirrels company.
These new blue residents are guarding acorn-shaped contactless donation points where Garden visitors can make an instant £2 donation to help keep our green oasis looking beautiful all year round. The squirrels say thank you in their own inimitable way too.
Run by local charity the Jubilee Gardens Trust, in normal times the park is enjoyed by over seven million visitors every year. It is also the most used green space for residents and local workers in the area. With trees, plants and outdoor spaces being so essential to our health and well-being, donations will help maintain and enrich the Gardens for all the residents, workers, students and visitors who love our nature-filled sanctuary on the South Bank.
The unique and innovative squirrel donation posts were designed by interdisciplinary designer Lara Farnham who works across a broad spectrum of sectors; from public realm to high-end luxury, retail to exhibition, leisure and large-scale developments.
Lara said about her designs:
‘I thought it would be nice to give something back when people donate. The squirrels cheekily ask you to tap to donate and thank you once you do it. Squirrels are playful, energetic and considered a little wise in some cultures; just right for the Gardens. When they glow in the darkness they are also reaching out to those walking by.’
