A major rewilding project in Kingston, South London has been approved by Kingston Council.
The project aims to turn Tolworth Court Farm Fields into “one of the most outstanding nature reserves in the whole of London.”
The land, which is mentioned in the Doomsday book, sits on the banks of the Hogsmeade River.
Elliot Newton, Director of Rewilding for Citizen Zoo, the conservation delivery partner, described the project as “incredibly collaborative.”
“A lot of the rewilding projects we have in the UK are in rural environments” said Elliot “but here what we’re going to try to do is show how you can apply those rewilding principles on a smaller scale but in an urban context.”
“We want to say to people we can have rich nature where people live. We want you to come out of your doorstep and realise that it’s not just humans and concrete living around you, and maybe the odd pigeon and fox, but actually you have this vibrant ecosystem with thousands of species.”
Within the next few month cows and pigs will be introduced into the hundred acres of land which sits between an industrial estate, a busy road, and residential housing. The introduction is hoped to increase plant diversity, improve the health of the soil and create different habitats.
Kingston Council, who own the land, have been driving the initiative alongside experienced urban rewilders Citizen Zoo, community engagement partners The Community Brain, and funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund.
It’s hoped that the expansion of the wetlands will decrease the flood risk to the local area and create a “mosaic” of habitats for animals and people to enjoy.
Robin Hutchinson, director of The Community Brain, told City News “I think we witness particularly in the Surbiton area that it’s a standard dormitory town: people go to work in London and when they come back almost live ghost lives.”
“We wanted do things that made people want to say come to us this weekend, and make people proud of where they live.”
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HeadlineCows and pigs set to be introduced to Kingston Wetlands
Short HeadlineRewilding Kingston with pigs and cattle
Standfirst A major rewilding project in Kingston, South London has been approved by the council.
A major rewilding project in Kingston, South London has been approved by Kingston Council.
The project aims to turn Tolworth Court Farm Fields into “one of the most outstanding nature reserves in the whole of London.”
The land, which is mentioned in the Doomsday book, sits on the banks of the Hogsmeade River.
Elliot Newton, Director of Rewilding for Citizen Zoo, the conservation delivery partner, described the project as “incredibly collaborative.”
“A lot of the rewilding projects we have in the UK are in rural environments” said Elliot “but here what we’re going to try to do is show how you can apply those rewilding principles on a smaller scale but in an urban context.”
“We want to say to people we can have rich nature where people live. We want you to come out of your doorstep and realise that it’s not just humans and concrete living around you, and maybe the odd pigeon and fox, but actually you have this vibrant ecosystem with thousands of species.”
Within the next few month cows and pigs will be introduced into the hundred acres of land which sits between an industrial estate, a busy road, and residential housing. The introduction is hoped to increase plant diversity, improve the health of the soil and create different habitats.
Kingston Council, who own the land, have been driving the initiative alongside experienced urban rewilders Citizen Zoo, community engagement partners The Community Brain, and funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund.
It’s hoped that the expansion of the wetlands will decrease the flood risk to the local area and create a “mosaic” of habitats for animals and people to enjoy.
Robin Hutchinson, director of The Community Brain, told City News “I think we witness particularly in the Surbiton area that it’s a standard dormitory town: people go to work in London and when they come back almost live ghost lives.”
“We wanted do things that made people want to say come to us this weekend, and make people proud of where they live.”
