The Wormwood Scrubs meadow has formally been protected thanks to its new status as a 'Local Nature Reserve'.
This is a landmark moment for the H&F's most ecologically diverse park in the north of the borough. The legal designation will help protect local wildlife from potentially harmful developments in the future.
It's taken months of work by H&F Council, the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs, our grounds maintenance contractor idverde and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, said:
This is a big moment for our community. The Scrubs is one of the most beloved green spaces in our borough and has a rich history that we want to protect.
"There are thousands of different bird, insect, reptile and plant species here that help make up this delicate ecosystem. We're protecting this space so that everyone can continue to enjoy it for years to come."
The moment was recently marked with a guided nature walk with students from Old Oak primary school.
Scrubs improvements and maintenance
H&F Council fought for and won £4million to support the ecological enhancement of the Scrubs as part of the construction of the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway development at Old Oak Common.
The ongoing development was set to impact a large portion of the Scrubs near the ecologically sensitive meadows until the council and Trust intervened.
The Local Nature Reserve designation marks an important step in the Scrubs' journey towards enrichment.
H&F Council and the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust are currently working on a masterplan for Wormwood Scrubs to help further maintain, improve and protect the area for everyone to enjoy.
Delicate ecosystem
The Local Nature Reserve's protection from future developments is just one of the many ways the Scrubs can be safeguarded long-term.
Many native and 'at risk', vulnerable or priority species call the Scrubs home, and everyone has a responsibility to help preserve this delicate ecosystem, which is enjoyed by hundreds of residents every day.
The meadow, found in the north-west corner of the Scrubs, is where many bird species choose to nest between March and September.
Dog walkers, in particular, are encouraged to keep dogs on leads during nesting season in Wormwood Scrubs meadow, to help keep them safe during this vulnerable season.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the Scrubs, including its history and sensitive ecology, visit our Wormwood Scrubs webpage.
