Work has officially begun on a new wildlife sanctuary at Hampstead Heath, marking a major step forward in efforts to protect nesting birds and enhance

biodiversity in one of London’s most treasured green spaces.

The project will transform part of the Model Boating Pond into a dedicated sanctuary by removing the existing land causeway that currently links a small island to the shore. Once the work is complete, the island will be fully separated from public access, creating a safe, undisturbed refuge for wildlife away from people and pets.

The scheme is being delivered by the City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity. The project has been made possible thanks to strong public backing, with more than £50,000 raised through donations and charitable fundraising.

As part of the wider improvements, almost 100 square metres of new reedbeds will be created, alongside areas of wildflower planting. The reedbeds are being funded through the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy and are designed to provide vital new habitats for wetland birds, as well as amphibians and reptiles. Temporary fencing will be installed to protect sensitive areas while the new habitats become established.

Although the island itself was only formed in 2016 during essential flood management works, it has already proven its ecological value. In a short time, it became home to nesting coots, moorhens, grebes and herons — highlighting the importance of protecting and enhancing the space.

Hampstead Heath attracts more than 10 million visitors every year and supports over 800 species of plants and animals. It also forms part of a wider network of around 11,000 acres of green space safeguarded by the City of London Corporation across London and the south-east of England.

Once completed, the new sanctuary is expected to play a key role in supporting urban wildlife, ensuring that vulnerable species can continue to thrive in the heart of the capital.

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, said:

“This important project will create a peaceful sanctuary for wetland birds, right in the heart of Hampstead Heath.

“By removing the causeway, we’re giving species like mallard, coot, grebe, and swan a safe space to feed, rest, and nest – free from human disturbance. It’s a place they already use, and soon they’ll have it all to themselves.

“We’re also planting new reedbed habitat, supporting nationally important ecosystems that enhance biodiversity and add to the Heath’s natural beauty. As they grow, the reeds will absorb carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their stems, roots, and surrounding soils, locking carbon away naturally over time“.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported this project. Your generosity is helping our Charity protect and enhance the Heath’s remarkable biodiversity. I also want to thank our staff, whose hard work, time, and commitment go a long way in bringing these projects to life.”

John Beyer, Chair of the Heath & Hampstead Society added: 

“We’ve long championed the idea of transforming the Model Boating Pond island into a true wildlife haven. Removing the causeway will allow nature to flourish with fewer disturbances, and we are delighted to see this vision becoming a reality. 

“Our contribution has been practical as well as vocal — Society members helped raise the majority of the funds needed to move this important project forward. 

“We hope that, in time, visitors to the Heath will have more opportunities to glimpse rarely seen species such as Woodcock and Snipe, alongside familiar favourites like Coots and Moorhens, thriving in this enhanced sanctuary.”