When we think about conservation, it can often seem like a thing people do far away from us, in the distant rainforests and coral reefs. But if you're reading this in a city, believe it or not, conservation is happening right on your doorstep!
Urban regions have been shown to have a massive amount of biodiversity, oftentimes more than national parks. As more people than ever live in urban areas, it is increasingly important to effectively manage the nature that has adapted to living alongside us in these new habitats. Time spent in nature improves our mental and physical health, and the conservation of urban ecosystems has been shown to have benefits to wider conservation goals. Therefore, urban conservation is a key part of the protection of global biodiversity, allowing us to be custodians of the areas we live in.
The London Wildlife Trust
The London Wildlife Trust works to protect the life that resides inside the capital, with more than 8,000 volunteers working for 37 nature reserves, protecting, restoring and creating natural spaces. These areas prioritise the existence of wildlife, whilst providing citizens with an escape from the rush of the London crowds. They are managed by workers of the Wildlife Trust who employ volunteers that work to ensure these areas remain healthy and full of biodiversity.
Camley Street Natural Park (CSNP)
CSNP is a 1 hectare wildlife haven hidden in the midst of the busy King's Cross area. Once you find it, you enter into London's very own magical secret garden. Within such a small space is a woodland, meadow and wetland full of habitats for a variety of species to thrive - birds, fish, frogs, butterflies, and more!
CSNP is currently closed to outsiders as they are building a new visitor's centre. But they are aiming to open up early in 2021, and are still open to volunteers to help them look after the reserve.
Volunteers working at CSNP (Source: London Wildlife Trust)
Volunteering at CSNP
I started volunteering at CSNP in August 2019 when I'd begun to take an interest in practical conservation. A feeling of serenity fell upon me as soon as I stepped into the reserve. All the other volunteers were so warm and friendly and I quickly felt at home.
We start each session of with a good chat and cup of tea and then we are assigned to tasks, with one or two other people. There were so many things I got involved in, all the while learning more about the species that resided there and how to create conditions that suited them. I got involved in restoring the pond, planning a fernery, cutting back weeds and invasive plants, and building a fence to guide the pathways for visitors.
There are so many benefits to getting up and close with nature in this way, with a variety of animals, the kingfisher, reed warbler and moorhen, to see (and hear - they can be quite noisy!!), the chance to learn more about the species living in the UK, and talking to people of all ages with all kinds of experiences, along with the feeling of accomplishment you get from getting your hands dirty with some physical work!
My photograph of the lake at CNSP in the height of summer!
Get involved
I highly recommend seeing what there is near you to get involved in. Volunteering is a great way to experience the forward-thinking ways that people are working to bring nature and people in cities closer together and it has been scientifically proven to make you happier and healthier!
Click here to find a reserve near you.
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