Wandsworth’s King George’s Park continues to benefit from a biodiversity boost as part of the ambitious Rewild London project, a city-wide initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity and reconnecting Londoners with nature
In a significant step towards enhancing urban biodiversity, Enable, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing Wandsworth’s green spaces on behalf of Wandsworth Borough Council, has been awarded funding to implement an ambitious rewilding project. This initiative is part of the Rewild London scheme, a city-wide effort that has granted £600,000 to 19 different projects across the capital, each aimed at rewilding urban areas and promoting the recovery of nature.
Since its inception, the Rewild London scheme has made substantial progress, enhancing and connecting 54 of London’s Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). These efforts have created vital habitats where wildlife can thrive, contributing to the broader goal of ecological restoration in urban environments.
One of the key beneficiaries of this funding is Wandsworth, where the rewilding efforts have been spearheaded by Enable in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust and with support from the Mayor of London. The project in Wandsworth focuses on the creation of wildflower meadows and the development of biodiversity-rich woodlands in King George’s Park and Wandsworth Park. These new habitats are expected to act as crucial corridors for pollinators such as wild bees and butterflies, supporting the broader objectives of the borough’s Biodiversity Strategy.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet member for Environment at Wandsworth Borough Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The rewilding efforts in King George’s Park have focused on the creation of wildflower meadows and the development of biodiversity-rich woodlands. These new habitats will act as crucial corridors for pollinators, such as wild bees and butterflies. The project is closely aligned with Wandsworth Council’s Biodiversity Strategy, which outlines the importance of increasing the connectivity of natural spaces across the borough.”
“We are delighted to be working alongside our partners at Enable to deliver such an important project for our residents,” Gasser added, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
To enhance the existing grasslands at both Wandsworth Park and King George’s Park, traditional techniques are being employed. One of the most notable methods involves the use of heavy horses to pull mowers and harrows. This approach not only reduces the nutrient levels in the soil, which is essential for establishing wildflower meadows, but also has a low impact on flora and a low carbon footprint. The horses’ hooves create small gaps in the grass, helping wildflower seeds to take root more effectively.
This autumn, the project will see the creation of stag beetle loggeries in the park’s woodland areas, further enhancing the habitats. These loggeries will provide additional shelter and breeding grounds for the endangered stag beetle, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.
Mick Green, Parks Biodiversity Officer at Enable, emphasised the importance of community engagement in the project. “In addition to enhancing natural habitats, Enable is committed to fostering a deeper connection between local people and the nature around them,” he said.
The use of heavy horses in the meadow creation process is complemented by a series of community events under the banner ‘Sustainable September.’ These events aim to celebrate and champion local sustainability initiatives in Wandsworth, encouraging residents to engage with and support the rewilding efforts.
“The Rewild London Scheme as a whole has great potential to improve access to nature across London,” Green noted. “The council and our partners at Enable will continue to share updates as the project progresses.”
As the rewilding efforts in Wandsworth continue to unfold, they serve as a testament to the potential for urban spaces to support rich and diverse ecosystems. The collaboration between Enable, the London Wildlife Trust, and Wandsworth Borough Council highlights the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful environmental change. With the support of the Mayor of London and the active involvement of the local community, the future looks bright for wildlife in Wandsworth and beyond
