West London Nature Reserve Confirmed as ‘Green Lung’

A stretch of west London grassland known for its skylarks, wildflowers and pollinating insects has been given official protected status after a campaign that attracted tens of thousands of supporters.
Warren Farm in Southall has been formally classified as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) by Ealing Council, a designation that guarantees its protection and recognises its environmental significance for the local community.
The declaration followed an agreement between the council and co-owners Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which will see land adjoining the nature reserve developed into a new community sports facility, primarily featuring cricket and football pitches.
The protected status is the result of a campaign launched in January 2021 by the Brent River Park charity, which gathered more than 26,000 petition signatures and drew backing from local volunteers, wildlife experts and national conservation organisations.
Katie Boyles, chair of the charity, said the campaign began at a moment when many people were reconnecting with outdoor spaces during the Covid pandemic. She thanked the thousands who signed the petition and the range of experts and groups who supported the effort, and praised the council for recognising the site’s value as a rewilded meadow habitat.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason described the new designation as providing a vital green space for that part of the borough, noting it would serve as an important natural area for local residents.
The dual development — protected nature on one side, active recreation on the other — was welcomed by cabinet member for thriving communities Blerina Hashani, who highlighted that Southall experiences significant health inequalities. She said the combination of green space and sports facilities would bring meaningful benefits to the area.
The council is currently in discussions with a preferred contractor to manage the new sports facility on the adjoining land.
Local Nature Reserve status, granted by local authorities in England, gives councils the power to manage land specifically for wildlife and public enjoyment, and typically comes with long-term commitments to habitat preservation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​