Improving biodiversity and green space - Wandsworth Borough Council

Wandsworth is home to 24 different habitats and over 3,149 different species. The borough also has an existing tree stock of 62,000.

Biodiversity Action Plan 2026 - 2031

Our Biodiversity Action Plan for 2026 to 2031 is named Wild Wandsworth.

It champions a collaborative approach to nature recovery, working together with residents, local organisations, businesses, land managers and community groups.

The plan focuses on three core themes:

Action for nature that is fairer for all
Action for nature that is compassionate and responds to our community
Action for nature that is evidence-based and delivers meaningful results

Read Wild Wandsworth

Wandsworth Council Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 - 2026

Our Biodiversity Duty Report explains the actions we have taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the borough, as required under the strengthened biodiversity duty set out in the Environment Act 2021.

The report summarises the work already completed between 2021 and 2026, alongside our plans for further action in the years ahead.

It follows national guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), which requires councils to regularly review and report on their biodiversity activity at least every five years.

Planting trees

We have been working to plant trees across the borough. We also map woodlands and hedgerows on our green spaces, to inform new woodland and hedgerow creation.

In 2025/26 we are aiming to plant:

800 trees around roads and paths
200 trees in parks
200 trees outside our housing developments

Sponsor a new tree

You can request to sponsor a new tree in a local street or park.

Your sponsorship brings more trees into our neighbourhoods. This supports wildlife, improves air quality and creates cooler and more resilient streets for everyone to enjoy.

The scheme is in partnership with Trees for Streets, the national street tree sponsorship scheme, to help residents play an active role in greening our borough.

Establishing dead wood habitats

We have created dead wood habitats in:

Dead wood in all its forms is vital. It returns nutrients to the soil and improves its structure. It also provides homes for invertebrates, birds, small mammals, and fungi.

We have long retained dead wood on both commons and intend to continue this practice where it is safe to do so.

Green spaces

To support green spaces in the borough, we have created the Wandsworth Biodiversity Strategy. This strategy clearly outlines actions that can be taken within the borough to protect and enhance biodiversity, making nature accessible to all.

Wandsworth was highlighted in the Good Parks for London report for excellence in 'supporting nature' and was featured as a case study in the report. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to supporting nature and green spaces within the borough.

Green Flag Awards

Seven parks and green spaces across Wandsworth have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award.

This internationally recognised symbol signifies high environmental standards at each location.

The parks that have been awarded Green Flags are:

Find out more about the Green Flag Awards.

Parklets

We are working to roll out parklets across the borough. These nature-based solutions address environmental risks such as overheating, flooding, and air pollution. Additionally, they help the borough to adapt and become more resilient to climate change.

High-risk areas are being prioritised, where exposure to climatic hazards and social vulnerability are greatest.

SUDs and rain gardens

we have introduced several sustainable urban drainage systems and rain gardens. These initiatives help to slow down the flow of surface water run off and prevent flooding.

Sustainable park maintenance

To sustainably maintain our parks and open spaces, we are:

Using electric mowers and pedestrian tools
Reducing grass cutting
Implementing No Mow May

Tree preservation orders

Some trees in the borough are subject to tree preservation orders (TPOs). TPOs can cover anything from a single tree to woodlands.

It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy these trees without our permission.

Find out more about tree preservation orders.

Garden survey

More than 750 Wandsworth residents completed a garden survey that helped uncover the hidden biodiversity of our borough’s gardens.

The results have been added to an interactive diversity map.