Mayor announces funding to rewild London and make the capital more resilient to climate change

Today, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has committed a further £710,000 to fund projects that will help to rewild the capital.

The third round of the Rewild London Fund is now open for applications for schemes that will increase biodiversity and create more habitats for animals and plants to thrive, making the city more resilient to climate change.

This brings the total investment in rewilding London to £2.3m, which includes £750,000 from Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund. To date, the fund has helped to create or restore around 250 hectares of wildlife habitat, the equivalent of nearly 310 football pitches, across the capital bringing nature back into the city for all to enjoy.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “This funding will support many more rewilding projects in the city and will ensure that Londoners can spend time in stunning outdoor spaces while connecting with nature.

“By working closely with community groups and organisations we are turning London into a wildlife haven, as well as making the city more resilient to the effects of climate change. This is a key part of my vision for a greener and cleaner London for everyone.”

David Mooney, director of development, London Wildlife Trust said: “London Wildlife Trust is very proud to once again be supporting a new round of the Rewild London Fund, in partnership with the Mayor and London. This fund gives us the opportunity to provide much needed support for nature’s recovery in London in the face of an ecological and climate emergency.”

Dragana Knezevic, of Hillingdon Council said: “We have received two Rewild London grants, which helped us plant 8,000 whips, restore ponds, create new wildflower meadows and transfer amenity grasslands into hay meadows.

“This not only created new and improved vulnerable habitats that provide food and shelter for invertebrates, amphibians, birds and other creatures, but has resulted in bringing many communities together, while planting trees and wetland plants, including local scout groups. Some improvements are obvious, and others like baby tree whips that were planted will have an impact on local flora and found for many years to come.”

Anna-Maria Cahalane received funding for The Green Line - Nature’s Railway - Hedgelaying and orchard restoration said: “The funding has allowed us to create a live hedgerow along the railway embankment in Southeast London.

“This process involved laying existing trees that were at risk of removal due to their proximity to the track. By doing so, we’ve extended their lifespan and created new habitats for wildlife. Attracting nesting birds and providing sanctuary for dormice. We have also been able to restore a plum orchard which had been neglected for decades.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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