As part of an exciting initiative to promote biodiversity and support wildlife throughout the borough, Hounslow is going back to nature this summer.
Published: Wednesday, 8th May 2024
From May until Sept selected parks, open spaces and green spaces on housing estates will be taking part in a range of projects all aimed at encouraging our local flora and fauna to flourish.
Hounslow’s Natural Summer builds on previous years’ No Mow May events, which have seen the grass left uncut in some of the borough’s green spaces.
It means that some grassy areas will be left to grow for the season to allow nature to take its course and wildflowers and pollinators such as bees, to thrive.
Creating these natural green oases can help capture carbon from the atmosphere, reduce pollution and give local wildlife a much-needed boost.
Other initiatives introduced as part of Hounslow’s Natural Summer include creating 26 new ‘bug hotels’ on housing land to provide safe havens for mini beasts such as pollinators and those that keep garden pests at bay.
The Council is also increasing the number of dedicated wildflower locations in the borough over the next 12 months, with wildflowers starting to be resown in the autumn of 2024 and ready to bloom in the spring and summer of 2025.
The Council is joining forces with its grounds maintenance partner Lampton Services on the project.
Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, said:
“This summer we are celebrating Hounslow's rich natural heritage and biodiversity. Our borough is one of the greenest in London and our parks continually win Green Flag awards as being the best in London. With approximately 40 per cent of the area comprising parks and open spaces, we want to build on our impressive green credentials by giving our open spaces the chance to breathe and create stunning new habitats for our wildlife and wildflowers.”
“Protecting the environment and appreciating our natural wonders has so many benefits for our borough. It could bring more people into Hounslow to enjoy our open spaces and boost our local economy. It also has proven benefits for your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“Whatever the reason, please join us on our journey of green discovery that is Hounslow’s Natural Summer.”
Residents of Hounslow and local community groups can get involved with Hounslow’s Natural Summer in many ways.
Create a mini-wildlife haven in your front or back garden by putting your lawnmower away and letting the grass grow.
The school summer holidays are a perfect time to go wildlife and wildflower spotting in one of the borough’s many parks.
If you live in high-rise flats, why not spruce up your balcony with potted plants or flowers?
Residents can also spread the word about #HounslowsNaturalSummer with their friends and through social media.
Hounslow resident Navdeep Deol, Chair of the London National Park City Foundation, said:
"It has never been so important to support wildlife and natural habitats in our Borough, in our parks, streets, open spaces, front gardens and along our rivers. Hounslow's Natural Summer brings together and complements the ideas and achievements of local residents and communities to make Hounslow a greener, healthier and wilder place. There are so many ways for us all to get involved and participate in the restoration and recovery of nature in our borough - let's make that difference together.”
Wild facts about Hounslow:
- How green is green? - Hounslow is the third greenest borough in London with 1,568 hectares of publicly accessible space across 165 parks and areas of open land. That is more than 2,000 football pitches devoted to nature.
- Stag party - Hounslow is one of west London’s hotspots for Stag Beetles. This protected species is Britain’s largest beetle and has a designated home in Boston Manor Park, called a Stag Beetle Loggery.
- Rainy Days - Hounslow Health’s heathland is a habitat that is even rarer than the rainforests and supports an array of wildlife including the Dartford Warbler.
- Wild at home - Hounslow contains one the most important wildlife habitats…your garden! Whether it be private or communal, these green spaces are vital to helping wildlife and wildflowers thrive, so give them the care they deserve.
To find out all about Hounslow’s Natural Summer and more on how you can get involved, visit: hounslow.gov.uk/natural-summer
