WATCH: Community-powered rewilding: How Citizen Zoo is bringing nature to Londoners

On a one acre site in Surbiton, a team of dedicated individuals known as Citizen Zoo have combined the principles of rewilding with the aim of bringing nature back to the urban landscape of London. This innovative and community-driven project has already seen great success in its mission to reconnect city dwellers with the natural world.

Rewilding is an approach to conservation that focuses on restoring and promoting natural processes. This involves allowing nature to take its course and creating habitats where wildlife can thrive. Citizen Zoo’s approach to rewilding involves working closely with the local community to create a space that not only benefits the environment, but also brings people together.

The project was launched in 2019 and has quickly gained momentum and support from both local residents and conservationists. The team behind Citizen Zoo recognized the need for a project like this in London, where green spaces are becoming increasingly scarce and many people are feeling disconnected from nature.

The one acre site in Surbiton was chosen as the perfect location for the project as it was previously a derelict piece of land with limited biodiversity. With the help of volunteers, the Citizen Zoo team has transformed the site into a thriving ecosystem with a variety of habitats including a wildflower meadow, woodland, and a pond. This not only benefits the local wildlife, but also provides a peaceful and tranquil space for visitors to enjoy.

One of the unique aspects of Citizen Zoo is their strong focus on community involvement. The project relies heavily on volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to help with various tasks such as planting, maintaining the site, and assisting with educational programs. This community-driven approach has fostered a strong sense of ownership and pride among the volunteers, who have developed a deep connection with the site and the wildlife that calls it home.

In addition to creating a space for wildlife, Citizen Zoo also aims to educate and inspire the local community about the importance of conservation and rewilding. They have developed a range of educational programs for both children and adults, including workshops, talks, and guided walks. These programs not only teach people about the benefits of rewilding, but also help to build a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

Among the many achievements of Citizen Zoo is their successful reintroduction of native species to the site. This includes the European hedgehog, which had been absent from the area for many years. With the help of the local community, Citizen Zoo has created a safe and suitable habitat for these spiky creatures to thrive. The project has also seen an increase in the number of bird species, including the endangered house sparrow.

The success of Citizen Zoo has not gone unnoticed, with other cities and communities expressing interest in implementing similar projects. The project has even received recognition from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Good Practice of the Year’ by the UNDP’s Equator Initiative.

With the continued support of the local community, Citizen Zoo has big plans for the future. They hope to expand their project to other areas of London and create even more spaces for wildlife to flourish. They also aim to establish partnerships with other organizations and businesses to further promote their cause and spread awareness about the importance of rewilding.

Citizen Zoo’s rewilding project in Surbiton is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared passion and goal. It not only benefits the environment and wildlife, but also brings people together and creates a sense of belonging. It is a reminder that even in a bustling city like London, nature has the power to unite us and bring us closer to our roots. So, let us all take inspiration from Citizen Zoo and work towards a greener and more sustainable future for our cities and our planet.