Wormwood Scrubs Masterplan Biodiversity & Improvement Works

London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council (the “Council”) is seeking a supplier who is suitably qualified and experienced in landscaping and the creation and management of ecologically sensitive habitats. Wormwood Scrubs is an open space located at the northern end of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

It is the largest open space in the Borough, at around 80 ha (200 acres), and is one of the largest areas of common land in London. The work is to implement the proposals in the AEM (Alternative Ecological Mitigation) Masterplan for Wormwood Scrubs open space.

The overall objective of the AEM Masterplan is to improve and enhance biodiversity on the Scrubs and at the same time improve drainage across the site to better manage surface water and improve access. The work is split into two phases: Capital works – this phase of work should be completed in 6-8 months and will include the creation of a SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage scheme) made up of a series of scrapes and swales to the south of the site and the northwest corner of the site.

Retention ponds will be created in the existing wet woodlands in the southeast of the site. Tree planting will take place at various locations and existing vegetation will be improved along with the creation of meadows and grasslands.

Hibernacula’s will be created and bird and bat boxes installed. Maintenance and Management Plan (MMP) – Phase 2 of the work will be a 10 year Management and Maintenance Plan (MMP) which will include the management of the features implemented as part of the Phase 1 Capital Works including the SUDs scheme and meadows and will also involve the management of the existing woodland, scrubland and meadows that have not previously been regularly managed and are in need of ongoing management to improve conditions for wildlife and increase biodiversity. For example, selective thinning in woodland areas will allow more light in to allow a greater variety of woodland plants to grow in the understorey.