New wildlife habitat created in the heart of London

Paddington Recreation ground to get new wetlands
July 2009. A new wetland wildlife habitat is to be created in the heart of London by Westminster Council and environmental charity Groundwork London. They are working together to create a new open water area and wetland meadow in Paddington Recreation Ground.

This is the latest phase in creating a dedicated 3,200m nature area with the addition of a series of wildlife-rich ponds and marshlands that it is hoped will attract a variety of species including frogs, toads, water voles, great crested newts and dragonflies.

New timber decking pathways will surround the ponds to give visitors full access to the water and damp meadow habitats, and a wooden 'dipping' platform will also be built to allow school children to take part in pond-dipping and learn about the variety of animals that live in the water.

Rainwater supply
The pond will be supplied by rainwater which will be channelled from the roof of an adjoining building while a dedicated water borehole will supplement water levels during times of low supply. The series of smaller ponds will act as a natural water filter to the larger open water area.

It will also boast a new demonstration area and ecology centre which will be run by dedicated trained staff and bring local residents, schools and community groups closer to the natural environment and wildlife that surrounds them.
Cllr Lee Rowley, Westminster's cabinet member for customer services and communities, said: "Westminster is one of the most densely populated places in the UK and our parks and open spaces are enormously valued by residents, as well as those who work and live in the city. Living in the capital it's easy to forget about the natural world that surrounds us and this new wildlife area will provide an exciting opportunity to get back to nature as well as a valuable and unique educational opportunity for our school children."

The scheme, which is due to be completed by the end of the summer, is being jointly funded by the council, the government's Playbuilder Programme, Marks & Spencer and the SITA Trust, which supports environmental and community projects.