In a landmark rewilding initiative, the largest nature reserve in a borough of south London is set to undergo significant wetland restoration.
Kingston Council has greenlit ambitious plans to transform Tolworth Court Farm Fields in Tolworth into what they describe as one of London’s “most innovative” nature reserves.
Collaborating with environmental organizations like Citizen Zoo and The Community Brain, the council intends to revitalize the 104-acre (42 hectare) reserve, which is the most expansive in Kingston, consisting of seven substantial fields.
Last year, the council secured over £500,000 in funding for the project, which includes a contribution of £238,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £149,477 from the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund.
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council officials have approved the restoration of the wetland as an integral part of the rewilding effort.
Historically, the Hogsmill River meandered through a corner of the site, serving as a floodplain; however, the river was straightened in the 1960s to mitigate flooding in surrounding areas, resulting in habitat loss.
The rewilding plan will create ponds and wet grassland within this section of the nature reserve to restore the wetland ecosystem and attract various species back to the area.
Additionally, a 25-meter (80-foot) wheelchair-accessible boardwalk will be constructed to ensure continued public access to the reserve.
The proposed restoration of the wetland is aimed at mitigating local flooding and enhancing the site’s resilience against climate change and unpredictable weather patterns.
Application documents state that the rewilding initiative aspires to establish Tolworth Court Farm Fields as “one of London’s leading nature reserves.”
Preparations are also underway for the reintroduction of cattle and pigs to the reserve, which will help diversify plant life, enhance soil health, and create varied habitats.
A statement from the rewilding organization, Citizen Zoo, outlines their collective vision: “We aim to create a dynamic, mixed-mosaic nature reserve that fosters a more diverse and thriving wildlife community.
“By implementing innovative rewilding strategies, inspired by rural projects such as varied grazing practices, we seek to restore and enhance the ecological balance of the area while respecting its rich cultural heritage.”
