Woodland works to boost wildlife and improve access on Wandsworth Common

A woodland project will get underway on Wandsworth Common in mid-October, helping create healthier habitats for bats, birds and improve access for residents. 

The works will take place within woodland near the corner of Trinity Road and Burntwood Lane (known as The Scope), where we will create a new woodland glade, enhance two existing glades and install a new woodland path. 

The new path will help reduce ground compaction and make it easier for residents to walk through and enjoy the woodland while protecting sensitive habitats.

As part of the project, heavy horses will move timber through the woodland. The timber will be reused on site for path edging arising from non-native species thinning. Using horses helps reduce soil compaction and minimises damage to sensitive habitats compared with conventional machinery. 

During the works, visitors may notice some tree and vegetation removal – selective thinning creates space for native species, boosts biodiversity and improves the long-term health of the woodland. 

The project will also provide opportunities for residents to get involved, with volunteers helping to build habitat features, manage vegetation, maintain paths and support future wildlife monitoring. 

A healthier woodland for people and wildlife 

To create a healthier, more diverse woodland, the project will: 

• Create a new woodland glade and improve two existing glades 
• Install a new woodchip pathway to reduce erosion and improve access 
• Create better habitats for bats, birds, insects and other wildlife 
• Install bat boxes and create wildlife habitats in selected trees 
• Encourage the natural regeneration of native woodland species 
  
  

Learn more about the works

Where the woodland improvements will take place 

The Scope is a relatively young woodland, so this means we need to manage structure to ensure a good mix of age, habitat and light for the woodland floor. The proposed plans will create a more varied woodland structure, with a new glade, enhanced habitats and a woodchip pathway to tackle erosion and improve access for residents. 

Protecting our parks and open spaces for the future 

The project supports the long-term vision for Wandsworth Common and the ambitions set out in our Biodiversity Action Plan, by delivering on our commitment to protect and enhance local biodiversity while ensuring the borough’s green spaces continue to thrive for future generations. 

At a time of pressure on local council budgets, this project demonstrates how external grant funding can be used to deliver visible improvements, with around 90% of the project cost met through grant funding. 

Cllr Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: 

“This project is a great example of how we’re protecting and enhancing our parks, commons and open spaces, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. The new woodchip pathways will help tackle the muddy routes that develop through the woodland during the winter months, making it easier for people to enjoy Wandsworth Common year-round.

Community engagement has been central to developing these plans, and we’ve worked closely with the Friends of Wandsworth Common and the Wandsworth Common Management Advisory Committee to help shape the project and ensure it delivers benefits for both people and wildlife. 

“These improvements will create a more diverse, resilient woodland that supports more wildlife and is better for residents too.” 

Works are expected to begin with an initial phase lasting a few days in mid-October, before further habitat improvement and conservation activities continue with volunteers in late 2026 and early 2027.