Nature Emergency Action Plan

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Redbridge has declared a Nature Emergency - and we need your help!

At full Council on Thursday 22 January 2026, Redbridge Councillors voted unanimously to declare a Nature Emergency, due to the decline of nature in the UK and our desire to change that in our borough.

In response, at a public workshop which brought together more than 70 residents, community groups, and council officers, the shaping of Redbridge’s response to the recently declared Nature Emergency began.

Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, introduced the evening by outlining the reasons for the Nature Emergency declaration and why urgent local action is needed. Progress already made was shared, reminding residents that “we’re not starting from scratch”.

“We want to work together with you all for something that will work for Redbridge, and that’s what we’re starting this evening.” – Councillor Jo Blackman

A range of speakers shared updates on key nature-focused initiatives already happening across the borough, including:

  • The Regeneration team shared updates on the Fairlop Waters Masterplan, as well as progress on Aldborough Hall Nature Reserve.
  • Environmental Health and Home Improvements presented ongoing work to improve local water quality.
  • Active local resident Karen shared inspiring examples of community action for nature.
  • The Countryside, Conservation and Valentines Park Manager for Vision and team urged residents to consider the importance of conservation in our parks and green spaces.

Residents contributed their own ideas and priorities to inform the development of Redbridge’s new Nature Plan. Key themes discussed included the importance of education and knowledge sharing, celebrating and amplifying the voices of local people already doing inspiring work, celebrating the vibrancy nature brings, and finding more ways to connect children and young people with nature through schools. Residents also highlighted the need to continue strengthening rewilding efforts across the borough and to work closely with wildlife organisations to ensure Redbridge benefits from expert guidance and best practices.

This event marks the first of many opportunities for residents to get involved. Please use this space to explore what was shared at the workshop, view the speakers’ slides, and continue contributing your ideas below as we develop Redbridge’s new Nature Plan.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, ideas and enthusiasm to this important event. Together, we can help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for Redbridge.

Redbridge has declared a Nature Emergency - and we need your help!

At full Council on Thursday 22 January 2026, Redbridge Councillors voted unanimously to declare a Nature Emergency, due to the decline of nature in the UK and our desire to change that in our borough.

In response, at a public workshop which brought together more than 70 residents, community groups, and council officers, the shaping of Redbridge’s response to the recently declared Nature Emergency began.

Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, introduced the evening by outlining the reasons for the Nature Emergency declaration and why urgent local action is needed. Progress already made was shared, reminding residents that “we’re not starting from scratch”.

“We want to work together with you all for something that will work for Redbridge, and that’s what we’re starting this evening.” – Councillor Jo Blackman

A range of speakers shared updates on key nature-focused initiatives already happening across the borough, including:

  • The Regeneration team shared updates on the Fairlop Waters Masterplan, as well as progress on Aldborough Hall Nature Reserve.
  • Environmental Health and Home Improvements presented ongoing work to improve local water quality.
  • Active local resident Karen shared inspiring examples of community action for nature.
  • The Countryside, Conservation and Valentines Park Manager for Vision and team urged residents to consider the importance of conservation in our parks and green spaces.

Residents contributed their own ideas and priorities to inform the development of Redbridge’s new Nature Plan. Key themes discussed included the importance of education and knowledge sharing, celebrating and amplifying the voices of local people already doing inspiring work, celebrating the vibrancy nature brings, and finding more ways to connect children and young people with nature through schools. Residents also highlighted the need to continue strengthening rewilding efforts across the borough and to work closely with wildlife organisations to ensure Redbridge benefits from expert guidance and best practices.

This event marks the first of many opportunities for residents to get involved. Please use this space to explore what was shared at the workshop, view the speakers’ slides, and continue contributing your ideas below as we develop Redbridge’s new Nature Plan.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, ideas and enthusiasm to this important event. Together, we can help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for Redbridge.

Page last updated: 25 Mar 2026, 09:34 AM