Biodiversity Team

River Wandle: In partnership with South East Rivers Trust (SERT) and The Environment Agency we plan to restore a 400m stretch of the River Wandle at Richmond Green. The removal of three large, invasive wingnut trees, diversifying the banks and kick-starting river processes, a richer, self-sustaining ecosystem will be created. For more information see our partner website South East Rivers Trust.

Biodiversity Net Gain: Sutton has developed a ‘biodiversity tariff’, for when developments impact negatively on biodiversity but are unable to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain within the development site. This tariff value is currently set at c.£94,000 per ‘biodiversity unit’ per hectare. Please contact the biodiversity team for a copy of our bespoke metric calculator, or require advice on habitat protection, enhancement and creation. 

Planning: Submitting a planning application? Working for a developer? We would advise applicants to engage in pre-app advice to assist in maximising nature-based solutions in a climate and ecological crisis. Key information can be found on Sutton's local Validation list and Sutton's Biodiversity Strategy.

Beddington Farmlands will be London’s next major nature reserve with 140 hectares currently being restored into a mosaic of wetland habitats for rare and declining wildlife. To log your interest in future volunteering or events please contact the warden at: farmlandswarden@sutton.gov.uk or charlie.owen@sutton.gov.uk

Butterfly Banks: Funded by the Mayor of London, the Biodiversity Team is to deliver 9 butterfly banks located across private and public open spaces including Oaks Park, Woodcote Green, Carshalton Park and Roundshaw Park. The project hopes to improve landscape connectivity for declining butterfly species restricted to chalk-grassland habitat including chalkhill blue, small blue and dark-green fritillary. Look out for chalk mounds, planting days and events until autumn 2023. Keep up-to-date by following @Sutton Council or @SNCV on Twitter.

Volunteering: Learn about local wildlife. Get fit, whilst doing good for nature by joining our volunteering sessions. No experience needed, and all instructions and equipment provided. Email biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk to find out what activities are planned on our nature reserves this month. 

Schools: We have a variety of EYFS and KS1 sessions to offer covering different topics. A detailed lesson plan, including curriculum links, learning objectives and outcomes for each session can be found on the Sutton Council website. Contact biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk to arrange a school visit during term time. 

Holiday Activities: We run an exciting range of events for adults, families and children during school holidays.  Our events are listed on Facebook and on Eventbrite where you can book a space. The sessions can be tailored to meet your requirements and specific learning objectives. Please contact us for further details.