wildflower meadow
Nature conservation is largely delivered through the identification, protection and management of sites. Appropriate land management is critical in sustaining ecological quality to conserve and enhance habitats and species effectively, and these often need to be tailored to the circumstances of the individual site.
In addition, many habitats and species in London are vulnerable to significant visitor pressures, competing uses, pets, pollution, and the impacts of some invasive non-native species.
The local context of each site, and its particular conservation objectives, is key to determining the appropriate techniques to be used, which should be identified through a site management planning process. In London we have a highly fragmented mosaic of wildlife habitats, and therefore the emphasis on conservation is to protect and enhance these, and where possible to enlarge and reconnect them.
With our experience of managing over 40 nature reserves across London we are in an ideal position to advise on the appropriate improvement and management of sites where nature conservation is considered to be important.
We can advise land owners on improvements to habitats, maintenance regimes, management plans, staff training programmes and how to involve volunteers in consultation and subsequent management of sites.
Tump 53 – Wild about Thamesmead
Tump 53 is a former munitions testing site which is now a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of Thamesmead in south east London. The Wild about Thamesmead campaign secured funding from the Big Lottery - People’s Millions to re-open the site in 2013, and was a partnership between Gallions Peabody Group, Trust Thamesmead and London Wildlife Trust.
Its aim was to turn this disused nature reserve back into a valued community resource for all the people of Thamesmead, thus improving residents’ access to wild space and positively impacting on their quality of life.
To enable the site to continue to benefit both people and wildlife, a five year management plan was commissioned to provide guidance on the key habitats and wildlife needs of the site.
The report covers all aspects of the site including;
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Site history
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Ecological background
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Evaluation
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Site management