A huge new nature reserve has been declared in west London

"Warren Farm is most notable for its skylarks - in fact, almost a quarter of London's entire skylark breeding population calls the space home. Other local critters include hairstreak butterflies, barn owls, little owls, and kestrels."

"The meadow, which was once a sports ground, has been mostly empty for 15 years. Gradually, the park has been rewilded into a grassland habitat for wildflowers, birds, butterflies and bees."

"We are pleased that the centrepiece of our vision of connected meadow habitats is now officially recognised as a Local Nature Reserve. Our rewilde"

Warren Farm Nature Reserve in Southall has been officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve by Ealing Council. The 24.8-hectare meadow, formerly a sports ground left empty for 15 years, has naturally rewilded into grassland habitat supporting wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and bees. The reserve is particularly significant for its skylark population, which comprises nearly a quarter of London's entire breeding population. Additional wildlife includes hairstreak butterflies, barn owls, little owls, and kestrels. Warren Farm integrates into larger conservation networks: Brent River Park, a 50-year-old green corridor following the River Brent, and West London Regional Park. Local campaigners have supported this designation since 2021, with over 26,000 signatures backing the project.

Read at Time Out London