Latimer Road ‘Woodland Edge’ Wildlife Habitat

At Latimer Road, volunteers have been developing a new ‘woodland edge’ wildlife habitat, beginning with the creation of a small pond to collect and store rainwater. In spring, the team sifted 70 litres of topsoil, mixed it with bentonite clay, and compacted it to form a natural seal.

However, the long drought of late spring and early summer depleted our stored rainwater and caused the seal to fail, so this will be reinstated in autumn.

Volunteers also planted a range of pollinator-friendly species, including daffodil, borage, honeywort, ajuga, ground ivy, yarrow, verbena, and lily of the valley, to enhance biodiversity and seasonal colour. The site’s bug hotels were refurbished with dried grasses, leaves, dead sunflower heads, and pine cones to create diverse overwintering habitats for invertebrates.