Wandsworth’s nature, rivers and air to benefit from council’s new five-year action plan

Approved by Cabinet this week, the Biodiversity Action Plan sets out clear actions that we will take together with partners and communities from 2026 to 2031 to deliver the ambitions of our Biodiversity Strategy.

It includes measurable targets, new habitat creation projects, and tools to support everyone in Wandsworth to play an active role in boosting biodiversity.

Wild Wandsworth is built around three core themes, each supported by clear actions that we will deliver over the next five years, ensuring we support partners, communities and residents to all take part in protecting Wandsworth’s wildlife. The plan also commits to detailed updated mapping and monitoring, ensuring decisions are grounded in the latest ecological evidence.

The three themes are:

Action for nature that is fairer for all

Focusing on ensuring everyone has access to nature, wherever they live in the borough, so wildlife can move more freely, and communities can enjoy richer natural spaces.

Action for nature that is compassionate and responds to our community

This involves working closely with residents, schools and community groups to design and deliver improvements that reflect local priorities.

Action for nature that is effective and delivers meaningful results

We commit to evidence led work that improves the health of key habitats and species across the borough with strengthened monitoring and reporting on progress.

Shaped by you

As a listening Council, the Biodiversity Action Plan was shaped by what matters most to you. More than 240 people in Wandsworth took part in our Wild Wandsworth survey and engagement events. This community engagement shaped the priorities and commitments in the new Action Plan.

Your feedback highlighted strong support for practical action, new habitats in parks and housing estates, better green corridors, and more opportunities to connect with nature.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Our new Biodiversity Action Plan sets out clear, practical steps that we can take together to restore habitats, protect wildlife and bring nature closer to everyone in Wandsworth. We’re proud that this plan reflects what our community told us matters most: more nature, healthier habitats and greener neighbourhoods. We want everyone to have pride in our borough now and for years to come.”

Building on strong progress since 2020

The new plan builds on several years of work to support biodiversity across the borough. Since 2020, we have:

• Created over 2.2 hectares of new habitat, including wildflower grasslands, wetlands and scrub
• Planted more than 2,600 street trees to support connectivity and improve air quality
• Engaged hundreds of volunteers in green space management, delivering over 1,500 hours
• Significant expansion of ecological monitoring programmes with 125 citizen science volunteers
• As of September 2025, 74% of Wandsworth’s Local Wildlife Sites are in positive management for biodiversity, a 13% increase since 2021
• Achieved 12 Green Flag Awards in 2025 and significantly improved the borough’s ranking in Parks for London’s quality assessment. Wandsworth’s parks ranked eighth in 2024 Parks for London Rankings (rising from 21st in 2022) boosted by strong nature support

Do your part to wild Wandsworth

There will be opportunities for residents, schools, volunteers and community groups to help deliver the Wild Wandsworth plan, from planting and monitoring to supporting species like hedgehogs, bats and pollinators. A new online biodiversity hub will launch this year with guidance, maps and upcoming events.

Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date. You can also email biodiversity.wandsworth@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to express interest in getting involved.

Read our new Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031

Find out about the council’s commitment to improving biodiversity and green spaces.