Wildlife at three nature reserves in Hillingdon will benefit from new and expanded grassland habitat thanks to a £37,000 grant from Heathrow Community Fund’s Communities for Tomorrow programme.

London Wildlife Trust has been awarded the funding to support the delivery of 66 conservation volunteering sessions for local people at Yeading Brook Meadows, Ickenham Marsh, and Ten Acre Wood. The three reserves will be safer and better looked after with a wider network of people helping with its upkeep.

Work on improving the trio of nature reserves will start in August and last two years, focusing on sensitive wildlife areas. Areas of grassland will be cleared of scrub and invasive species, with contractors also hired to cut, bale and remove material and stop the grassland habitat being overgrown. In total, nine hectares of grassland will be managed and improved through this programme of work – the size of 12 football pitches.

Species likely to benefit include small mammals such as voles and shrews; butterflies; and skylark, a Red List bird which nests on the ground. In addition, the Trust will look at new ways to inspire residents and work with local voluntary groups to promote the nature reserves.

Simon Hawkins, Senior Reserves Officer with London Wildlife Trust, said: “This grant from Heathrow Community Fund is wonderful news for the wildlife we help to protect in west London. We will be able to recruit and train new volunteers from Hillingdon, who can help ensure Yeading Brook Meadows, Ickenham Marsh, and Ten Acre Wood remain an important refuge for wildlife for decades to come.”