Hammersmith and Fulham Council has reported significant gains in its efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the borough. The council's Enhanced Biodiversity Duty Report, covering actions taken between January 2024 and January 2026, details a comprehensive approach that integrates ecological considerations into planning, parks management, community engagement, regeneration, and climate programmes.
Key achievements highlighted in the report include the creation of six Tiny Forests
– dense, native woodlands planted in compact urban spaces. Over 3,500 new trees have been planted across parks, streets, and housing estates, contributing to the council's ambition to increase tree canopy cover to 16.5% by 2030. Additionally, over 46,000 square metres of highway land has been enhanced with green spaces and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), helping to mitigate flood risk and improve urban cooling.
The report also details the expansion of meadow management and the planting of new ponds, alongside significant investment through the Green Investment Fund, which has raised £3.25 million for green projects. Community involvement has been a cornerstone of these efforts, with active participation from Friends of Parks
groups, Nature Champions,
and initiatives like No Mow May
and Rewilding Raves.
Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, stated that the council is rising to the challenge of the climate and ecological emergency
and aims to become the greenest borough in the UK.
The report underscores the integration of biodiversity into planning policies, including requirements for 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and the application of Urban Greening Factor standards to major developments.
Looking ahead, the council has outlined priorities for 2026-2030, focusing on expanding habitat provision, improving monitoring, and integrating the forthcoming London Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Delivery of these future actions will be met within existing budgets, supplemented by external funding.
