As part of its efforts to boost biodiversity in the borough, and tackle the climate emergency, Southwark Council has awarded £550,000 to 12 local projects which will improve the natural environment and create new habitats for local wildlife.
The funding means that new habitats will be created across the borough on estates, schools and parks.
Southwark Biodiversity Fund launched in October 2024, offering grants ranging from £15,000 to £120,000 to non-profit groups in the borough. The council has now made its decision on the 12 successful projects that will receive grant funding to deliver projects that will make a green transformation to different corners of the borough.
It includes a variety of projects, including new wildlife ponds in parks and investment in neighbourhood nature reserves, creation of new green spaces on estates, a new green roof on a set of garages as well as a project to reunite the ancient and popular woodlands of Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood.
All the projects have opportunities for local residents to get involved – including nature talks, mini-habitat kits, workshops and intergenerational gardening days.
Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business said: “We’re delighted to award these grants to an inspiring and exciting set of nature-recovery projects that stretch across the borough. It was amazing to see the number of applications we received, and we were blown away by the enthusiasm and ideas in our communities.
“By supporting local, community-led projects we will create meaningful and lasting biodiversity improvements across the borough that also make us more resilient to climate change. We can’t wait to see how our local plants and wildlife thrive in these habitats and green spaces.”
Jo Young, Principal from Harris Girls East Dulwich, said "We are very excited to receive funding from the Southwark Biodiversity Fund to transform our underutilized Peace Garden and adjacent stream area into a vibrant, biodiverse space for relaxation, learning, and community connection.
"Our organisation is committed to creating green, welcoming spaces that support our students, our local community and the natural environment, and this project will allow us to introduce a rich variety of flowering plants, herbs, and trees to encourage wildlife and biodiversity."
After receiving 32 applications amounting to £1,564,000, the council undertook a rigorous assessment process to whittle this down to the successful 12 projects totalling £550,000.
These applications came from a diverse range of organisations, including charities, TRAs, community organisations and schools.
Applications included enhancements on school grounds, on housing estates, in parks, highways, and other public spaces.
A key part of the decision-making process also included input from Southwark’s Youth Parliament, who took up two places on the award panel which ranked the applications according to a scoring criteria.
This fund marks a significant step in Southwark’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Citizens’ Jury on Climate Change. It aligns with the council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, targeting three key aims:
- Prioritising biodiversity and nature recovery: The fund’s primary goal is to deliver projects in areas and habitats where they will have the most significant impact on nature.
- Climate resilience and adaptation: The fund seeks projects that make the borough and its residents more resilient and adapted to our changing climate including, reducing the risks of flooding and overheating, especially in the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Enhancing community access to green space: The council aims to protect and grow the benefits of green spaces for Southwark residents, particularly in areas with limited access to nature or those facing other inequalities.