The funding will support the development of two of London's largest landscape-scale nature recovery initiatives across Redbridge and Hillingdon. Rewilding will take place on a scale rarely seen in urban areas, helping to drive nature recovery and create thriving habitats across the capital. 

Working together the partners will develop long-term plans to restore natural processes, creating larger, better connected and more resilient habitats for wildlife as well as providing benefits for people and helping London to adapt to climate change. These rewilding pilots will demonstrate how investing in nature can improve everyday life for Londoners, by creating greener neighbourhoods and healthier communities, and places where wildlife and people can flourish together. They are part of delivering the Mayor’s new Clean Rivers and Healthy Waterways Plan–which outlines how the mayor and partners will transform London’s blue spaces over the next 10 years. 

In Redbridge, the partnership will work together to develop and deliver a shared vision for nature recovery across Fairlop Plain. This includes Fairlop Waters Country Park, where the Council is progressing its ambitious masterplan, which will enlarge the country park with new areas for nature and ecologically restore existing parkland and rivers. In Hillingdon, partners will work collaboratively on shaping a long-term vision for nature recovery across the Gutteridge Woods to Yeading Brook Meadows corridor, creating a more connected and resilient network of habitats. Across both areas, partners will explore a range of rewilding approaches that could help achieve these aims. These include restoring rivers and floodplains, creating new habitats such as wetlands, supporting habitats to regenerate naturally, establishing grazing with heritage livestock and improving conditions for lost and declining wildlife to return, including where appropriate, through future species reintroductions. 

Urban rewilding offers a powerful opportunity to tackle many of London's biggest long-term challenges at once, and, at its heart, the programme is about creating places where both wildlife and people can thrive. Through the restoration of natural processes, rewilding can help to reverse biodiversity loss, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, strengthen climate resilience and create healthier neighbourhoods.  Taking a rewilding approach can also improve access to high-quality natural spaces, strengthen walking and cycling connections and create opportunities for local communities to help shape and care for nature on their doorstep, making it easier for thousands more Londoners to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. 

The programme has been shaped by strong public backing for urban rewilding. Research involving over 1,000 Londoners found that 95% believe nature and wildlife restoration projects are appropriate for the capital, 83% believe large-scale rewilding can work in London, and 77% said they would welcome a large-scale restoration or rewilding project in their local area. 

The Mayor's investment will support the next phase of development through to 2028, including community engagement and consultation and the early delivery of rewilding on the ground. Together, the partners will also develop long-term funding models to ensure these landscapes continue to recover and thrive for generations to come. 

Backed by strong political leadership and widespread public support, these landmark pilots represent a significant step forward for nature recovery in London. Together, they will demonstrate how rewilding can work in one of the worlds largest cities and inform future nature recovery across the capital. 

Sam Davenport, Director of Nature Recovery at London Wildlife Trust said:

“We're excited by the opportunity this innovative partnership presents, bringing together the expertise, ambition and shared commitment needed to explore how rewilding can work at scale in one of the world's largest cities. 

These pilot projects represent an important step forward for nature recovery in London, laying strong foundations for a more ambitious future where wilder, healthier and resilient landscapes help nature and people to thrive.” 

Cllr Jo Blackman, Redbridge Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods, said:  

“Our plans for Fairlop Waters and the wider area are transformational - improving existing provision and creating new opportunities for leisure, learning and nature. Working with the Mayor of London and London Wildlife Trust brings new expertise and funding to double the size of the park and restore nature. This includes the restoration of neglected waterways, creation of new wetland, opening up new areas for cattle grazing and improving habitats. As well as the expansion of Fairlop Waters, the partnership includes consideration of the wider Fairlop Plain and potential to reconnect Fairlop, Hainault Forest with substantial benefits for people and nature. 

For our residents, this exciting work on Fairlop Waters, Fairlop Plain and the wider area will provide greener and more enjoyable places to walk, relax and spend time outdoors. Healthier landscapes will bring back more wildlife, help manage flooding and make our borough more resilient to the extreme weather associated with climate change. Protecting Fairlop Plain for future generations also offers the opportunity for local residents as well as visitors from across Redbridge and London to enjoy one of the capital's most extraordinary natural spaces, as well as restoring nature.” 

Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said:  

“We’re delighted to be able to further our credentials as one of the capital’s greenest boroughs by piloting this large-scale rewilding project which will deliver numerous benefits for residents and wildlife. 

This expands on vital biodiversity and wetlands work the council has already delivered through its river restoration projects in Spider Park and Elephant Park and creation of newt waterways at Hillingdon House Farm and builds on our continuing partnerships with London Wildlife Trust, Zoological Society of London, Crane Valley Partnership, Thames Water and the Environment Agency to deliver nature recovery outcomes."

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: 

"London is leading the way in showing how cities play a vital role in restoring nature. Through a £1.48 million investment in these ambitious rewilding projects in Redbridge and Hillingdon we are bringing wildlife back to our city–enhancing our blue and green spaces for the benefit of both people and nature, whilst helping our city to adapt to the climate crisis. 

In partnership with London Wildlife Trust, Redbridge Council and Hillingdon Council, these projects are delivering the Mayor's new Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan by reconnecting our waterways with nature, improving water quality and creating healthier ecosystems for both wildlife and local communities.  

Every Londoner should be able to enjoy the benefits of accessing nature near to where they live, and these projects will help make that a reality. This is an important step forward in building a greener, fairer and healthier London for all. 

Linking urban areas and wild areas through green corridors and new walking and cycling routes will improve and encourage residents’ access to wild habitats and build stronger bonds between Hillingdon’s communities and our natural world.”