Southwark Council has awarded £550,000 to 12 local nature projects, boosting biodiversity and creating new habitats across estates, schools, and parks, with community involvement at the heart of the initiative.
In a significant move to support biodiversity and address the climate emergency, Southwark Council has awarded £550,000 in grants to 12 local projects designed to improve the borough’s natural environment. This initiative, part of the Southwark Biodiversity Fund launched in October 2024, aims to create new habitats, promote sustainability, and engage the local community in nature recovery efforts.
The 12 projects selected span across estates, schools, parks, and other public spaces, with a focus on enhancing biodiversity, increasing green spaces, and fostering community involvement. These projects will support a variety of environmental initiatives, including the creation of new wildlife ponds in local parks, the expansion of neighbourhood nature reserves, and the introduction of a green roof on a set of garages. A particularly notable project will reconnect the ancient woodlands of Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood, further strengthening the borough’s ecological network.
Each of these projects offers opportunities for local residents to get involved. Community members will have the chance to participate in activities such as nature talks, mini-habitat kits, workshops, and intergenerational gardening days. By engaging residents in the development and maintenance of these green spaces, Southwark Council aims to create a deeper connection to nature while encouraging sustainable living practices.
“By supporting local, community-led projects we will create meaningful and lasting biodiversity improvements across the borough that also make us more resilient to climate change. We can’t wait to see how our local plants and wildlife thrive in these habitats and green spaces.”
John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency
Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs, and Business, expressed his excitement about the grants and the impact they will have on the borough. “We’re delighted to award these grants to an inspiring and exciting set of nature-recovery projects that stretch across the borough,” he said. “It was amazing to see the number of applications we received, and we were blown away by the enthusiasm and ideas in our communities.”
He continued, “By supporting local, community-led projects, we will create meaningful and lasting biodiversity improvements across the borough that also make us more resilient to climate change. We can’t wait to see how our local plants and wildlife thrive in these habitats and green spaces.”
One of the recipients of the funding, Jo Young, Principal from Harris Girls East Dulwich, shared her excitement about the transformation of the school’s Peace Garden. “We are very excited to receive funding from the Southwark Biodiversity Fund to transform our underutilized Peace Garden and adjacent stream area into a vibrant, biodiverse space for relaxation, learning, and community connection,” she said. “Our organisation is committed to creating green, welcoming spaces that support our students, our local community, and the natural environment, and this project will allow us to introduce a rich variety of flowering plants, herbs, and trees to encourage wildlife and biodiversity.”
The funding process was highly competitive, with Southwark Council receiving 32 applications amounting to £1.564 million. After a rigorous assessment process, the council narrowed down the applicants to the 12 most promising projects, totalling £550,000 in grants. These successful projects come from a range of organisations, including charities, tenants and residents associations (TRAs), community groups, and schools, all of which demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing the local environment.
In addition to the council’s own assessment, input from Southwark’s Youth Parliament played a crucial role in the decision-making process. Two members of the Youth Parliament took up places on the award panel, where they helped rank the applications based on a carefully crafted scoring system. This ensured that young people’s voices were heard and that the selected projects truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.
The Southwark Biodiversity Fund is a key component of the borough’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change, as outlined in the council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The fund aligns with three core objectives: prioritising biodiversity and nature recovery, enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and improving community access to green spaces. The projects funded by this initiative aim to address the most pressing environmental challenges facing Southwark, including the need to reduce flooding risks, mitigate overheating, and protect vulnerable communities.
This funding initiative is also a direct response to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Jury on Climate Change, further solidifying Southwark’s commitment to addressing climate-related issues in a tangible and impactful way. The grants will have a lasting effect on the borough’s natural environment, creating new green spaces for residents to enjoy, while helping to combat the impacts of climate change.
As these projects begin to take shape, Southwark Council looks forward to seeing the positive results of their investment in nature and community. By supporting local projects that focus on sustainability and biodiversity, the council is not only enhancing the borough’s natural landscape but also empowering residents to become active participants in shaping their environment for future generations.
