The wildlife garden is an area of approx 0.3ha next to a playground in the north of Ravenscourt Park, with a pond, meadow and woodland. It is potentially a wonderful resource for play, learning and ecotherapy and our project aims to deliver this by enhancing the space with much needed pond renovation, seating areas, interpretation and other improvements. We also plan outreach and events to encourage park users, schools and community groups to look after and enjoy the space. • To protect and enhance wildlife habitats and plant and animal biodiversity • To improve the appearance and safety of the area to make it a more appealing place for imaginative and wild play, observing wildlife and connecting with nature • To gather and mobilise community love, support and volunteer assistance to maintain the area • To practise sustainable, wildlife-enhancing and climate-resilient management, providing a model and learning opportunity for local gardeners and land managers.

What we'll deliver:

• Repair and reline pond
• create seating areas in suitable areas (glade, meadow, pond)
• replace interpretation board with minimal, contemporary signage and website
• experiment with forest gardening in the area of fruit trees

Why it's a great idea:

The wildlife area is a small wild heart in the middle of Hammersmith. It's set in a beautiful park, but still has a little of the magic and mystery of wild nature. It attracts people of all ages to explore and play, look for tadpoles, observe birds and insects and enjoy nature. We envision a place that flourishes because it is loved. This project is an opportunity to strengthen and support our volunteer group to continue clean up and care for the area, to make it a safer and more accessible and welcoming place, to provide a resource for schools and nurseries, forest schools, groups, families and individuals to study, observe and enjoy wildlife, and a place to to meditate, forest-bathe or just rest in nature. In times of high ecological anxiety this is also provides some much needed eco-therapy and community resilience building - a chance to learn together how to care for the natural world.

Steps to get it done:

The wildlife area is in the north of the park on the site of houses which were bombed in the war. There are some old garden plants, notably an impressiBlue Atlas Cedar. The remains of old fireplaces along one wall are an opportunity for subtle creative interventions. The northern fence runs along Goldhawk road - carefully designed planting along here will help to screen the park from traffic and to enhance the view from the street. Throughout 2019 we've been working with a group of keen volunteers, stakeholders and supporters to gather support, prepare an enhancement and management plan, clear litter, plant saplings, shrubs and wildflowers and other improvements. We plan further events to include some creative activities, to consult and engage with local schools and nurseries and to raise the profile of the project with other park users.