Wetland project set to transform Clapham Common
A new wetland project will transform Clapham Common, boosting biodiversity and providing an educational resource for schoolchildren in the area.
Friends of Clapham Common and Wild Clapham have secured planning permission from Lambeth council to begin work on its Wetland and Reedbeds project after reaching its funding target.
Shirley Kermer, chairman of Friends of Clapham Common said: “The creation of this wetland habitat is an important step in our ambition to improve the ecology of Clapham Common.”
The initiative will create about 1000sqm of wetland habitat with open water and reed beds.
Sightings of amphibians and dragonflies on the common are currently rare, but the new wetland will provide a sustainable habitat for frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and damselflies.
The area will be professionally excavated, lined with fleece and a durable rubber liner. This work will be undertaken by Joel Ashton, a wildlife expert in wetland creation.
Three underground shelters will be installed for hibernating amphibians, dragonfly perches will be set around the edge of the water and stands of vertical timber will offer a home for stag beetles.
There will be a boardwalk across the wetland with disability access permitting 360 degree panoramic views of the interior and there will be a purpose built viewing platform, with detachable guard rails that will allow school children to dip for tadpoles and observe wildlife through the seasons.
The banks will be planted with plants that provide foliage food for certain species of butterflies and moths.
Once the project has been completed, the whole area will be fenced off to ensure the habitat is protected.
The new wetland will also provide an educational resource for children and school visits.
Gareth James, Chair of Wild Clapham said: “We would like to thank Lambeth Council and all our funding partners for supporting this initiative.
“Having a wetland within walking distance for local schools will be a major asset in helping children to engage with wildlife through the seasons and will play a key role in understanding the value of ecology and biodiversity.”
There are currently no places on the Common where children can safely dip for tadpoles and observe aquatic life.
Friends of Clapham Common said they have received many letters of support from schools in the area – some of which have deprivation rates between 40-56 percent in the classroom.
A spokesman said: “Many of these children may have only seen images of frogs and dragonflies in books or on a screen so having this local resource within walking distance will prove a major asset for schools.”
Work on the Wetland and Reedbeds project is due to start this week and will be completed on March 31, 2025.
Pictured top: The new wetland will provide a sustainable habitat for dragonflies and damselflies (Picture: Friends of Clapham Common)