From creating hedgehog highways to breeding harvest mice and returning them to the wild, Ealing Wildlife Group’s band of volunteers have been instrumental in boosting biodiversity in the borough.

Perhaps best known for its leading role in the Ealing Beaver Project, which has established a thriving colony of beavers at the council-owned Paradise Fields site in Greenford, the group also runs lots of community conservation events and offers volunteering opportunities.

Sandra Adar is the fundraising officer for Ealing Wildlife Group (EWG) and has been a volunteer since 2019. “I’ve lived in Ealing for nearly 40 years,” she said. “One of the best things about the borough is the variety of public green spaces. It’s important to me that they are protected and evolve too.”

Sandra is one of many volunteers who willingly donate their time, whether it be to carry out administrative tasks, help to host events or getting their hands dirty nurturing wildlife habitats. The group also receives support from Ealing Council and its park rangers.

She added: “Getting involved in nature has so many benefits. It’s great to spend time outdoors, learn more about our local wildlife, and spend time with a positive group of people.

“We’re grateful for all the help we receive, and if you want to lend a hand it can be for an hour, an afternoon or a whole day.”

Want to get involved?

EWG was recently awarded £10,000 of funding from the council’s Your Voice, Your Town programme. The scheme is designed to bring people from each of the borough’s 7 towns together to improve their neighbourhoods.

The money will help to continue to transform the former Costons Lane allotments, in Greenford, from a once neglected site into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Over recent years, volunteers have created diverse habitats, including a wildlife garden, wildflower meadow, pond, hedgerow and woodland – demonstrating what a community can achieve when it cares for shared spaces.

Sandra explained that this latest funding will support the introduction of a secure space to host outdoor community wellbeing events, including yoga and soundbaths. If you would be willing to donate some services like this, the group would love to hear from you. Email: hello@ealingwildlifegroup.com

Come along

A volunteer day is held at Costons Lane nature reserve once a month and everyone is welcome, whether you want to help out with the work or simply enjoy the reserve. In addition to the wild habitats, there is a bird hide overlooking the pond and a sunny deck to sit back and relax with a cup of tea. It is a great place to spot foxes, woodpeckers, slow worms, newts, frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, birds, and all manner of pondlife.

Interested in volunteering?

Ealing Wildlife Group is looking for someone to manage Costons Lane Nature Reserve and help them to provide a series of events and create and maintain habitats for wildlife. This volunteer role is perfect for someone who enjoys connecting with people and wants to make a real difference in their local community.

For more details on this role, other volunteering opportunities, and upcoming events, visit the Ealing Wildlife Group website.