Lewisham Council launches nature project

June 15, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lewisham Council has initiated a new project, "Nature in your neighbourhood," as part of a UK-wide effort to integrate nature into urban environments. The initiative is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project aims to enhance local green and blue spaces, making them more accessible and engaging for all residents. It also seeks to support wildlife, improve resilience to climate change, and address the health and wellbeing needs of underserved communities. Learnings from the Birmingham and Lewisham African & Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) and the Disabled People’s Commission will be incorporated to maintain a focus on reducing inequalities.

Community-led approach

The project will be shaped by community input, with a co-design process that includes paid roles for community leads. A Community Grant Fund will be established to provide initial funding for local groups to increase their involvement in local green and blue spaces. Councillor Corin Ashwell stated that the new team will collaborate with residents and local groups, particularly those who may not feel fully welcome in these spaces, such as ethnically diverse communities, young people, and individuals with disabilities. The council aims to understand what changes would make the most significant difference to these groups.

Lewisham is home to 46 parks, 18 nature reserves, and three rivers: the Ravensbourne, Pool, and Quaggy, alongside green spaces surrounding housing estates. The project's mission is to improve access to these areas for everyone, with community leadership guiding the improvements.

Resident engagement

In this initial phase, the project team will engage with residents, community groups, and local organisations to gather feedback. They aim to understand how local outdoor spaces, parks, and waterways are currently used, identify what is working well, and explore potential improvements and the necessary steps to implement them. Views from both regular users and non-users of local green spaces are being sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these areas are utilised and how they could be made more inclusive. Residents with questions can contact the project team via email at natureneighbourhoods@lewisham.gov.uk.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

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