a person walking through a field of grass

Wormwood Scrubs

Realising community vision for accessible green space
Location
London, England
Client
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Shaping a local nature reserve with the community

LUC is leading the transformation of Wormwood Scrubs, a vital local nature reserve in London.

This project, commissioned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, is driven by a community vision for a more vibrant and accessible green space.

Community at the heart of the plan

LUC actively engaged with the local community through a consultation event in White City in 2019.

Resident feedback shaped LUC’s masterplan for the Scrubs, ensuring the project aligns with community aspirations.

Residents provided valuable insights into how to enhance wildlife habitats and improve entrances to the park.

LUC's planners and designers engaged with the local planning authority at the pre-application stage, holding a site meeting to explain the project and ensuring the application addressed all relevant planning issues.

a path through a grassy area

Boosting biodiversity

LUC’s masterplan, informed by community voices, introduces features that stimulate wildlife and make the park more welcoming for all. This includes the creation of a new 400 square metre pond, a haven for amphibians, insects, and birds. Swales and bunds will surround the pond to provide additional habitat and promote natural water filtration. 

Wildflower meadows bursting with colour replace areas of rough scrubland, offering a vital food source for pollinators. Improved management of existing woodlands promotes a healthier and more diverse plant community, attracting a wider range of wildlife.

Enhancing accessibility

Upgrades to pathways and the creation of new routes will make Wormwood Scrubs a park for everyone.

Existing pathways will be resurfaced and widened for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users. A network of new, self-binding gravel paths creates additional connections throughout the park, encouraging exploration and easy access to all areas.

These improvements not only enhance accessibility but also promote active travel within the park and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Sustainable solutions

Incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) features is a key element of the project. These features improve water management while creating new wetland habitats, further enriching the park's ecology.

SuDS features like swales and porous pavements will allow rainwater to drain naturally, reducing the risk of flooding and replenishing groundwater reserves.

A legacy for the future

This project, implemented under LUC's supervision, is part of plans to offset the effects of constructing the HS2 rail line.

By incorporating community feedback and implementing sustainable solutions, LUC is creating a legacy for the future – a thriving Wormwood Scrubs that benefits both wildlife and the local community.

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