Wildlife and gardens

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames covers approximately 5,500 hectares and it is the only London Borough to straddle both sides of the River Thames.  Richmond is believed to be one of the richest boroughs in London in terms of the total area of green space, the quality and diversity of parks, open spaces and conservation areas and the wealth of different habitats and species these areas support, as many of the species are also important on a regional, national and international scale. Safeguarding and enhancing habitats is the key to conserving biodiversity. Find out more about the main habitats found in Richmond and where to go to see the plants and animals that live there.

Biodiversity is one of the key concepts underpinning sustainability. The range of ecological services that make the planet habitable for humans and other species (such as purification of air and water, recycling of nutrients, pollination and seed dispersal and flood relief) relies on complex interactions among plants and animals, their habitats and the ecosystems that sustain them.

For further information visit the Conservation pages, download Richmond’s Biodiversity Action Plan or find out about the many conservation groups active in the borough.

What can I do?

Richmond Council is keen to encourage more people to get involved in nature conservation activities and the management of wildlife sites to ensure they are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Wildlife Gardening

Increase the wildlife value in your garden. Private gardens form a significant proportion of urban greenspace, playing a valuable role in forming wildlife corridors between larger areas of habitat, such as parks, commons and open spaces. There are lots of different things you can do in your garden to benefit wildlife. They will not take up much of your time, but have the potential to make a real difference. Find out more about wildlife gardening.

London’s Arcadia

Get involved in practical conservation. London’s Arcadia is a project working to achieve the restoration of the Riverside landscape between Teddington and Kew including over 100 environmental improvement schemes as part of the vision of the Thames Landscape Strategy. A key part of the programme is the use of volunteers and over 18,500 volunteer days have been clocked up since the beginning of the project.

With a wide variety of volunteer events including tree planting, hedge laying, spiling, invasive plant removal, bird, bat and owl box building and most recently bat surveys, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Projects take place during the week and at weekends in the borough.

For further information on volunteering opportunities contact Francesca Morrison, London’s Arcadia Project Officer. Telephone 020 8891 7399, email francesca.morrison@richmond.gov.uk or alternatively visit London’s Arcadia website.