The Jubilee Meadows in the Heathfield Ward – a new wildlife haven for the borough – has been officially opened by the Mayor.

The beautiful meadow is already well-used by many locals looking for walks in a natural setting since its opening in July.

The 1.8ha of land was acquired by the council as part of the Turing House School development and was named to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

The Meadow is accessed from Heathfield Recreation Ground and is being managed as a natural meadow, to increase habitats and biodiversity in Richmond upon Thames.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee said:

"Our goal is to make the Meadow a haven for wildlife. Currently it's not that interesting to wildlife, but with careful ecological management we hope to increase the diversity of wildflowers alongside planting of tree, hedges and crop cover which will provide food for birds. We will also be introducing features aimed at amphibians, reptiles, bees, stag beetles and other invertebrates. The meadow will become a wildlife haven over the next few years and I hope residents will come here to enjoy it."

Cllr Julia Cambridge, Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, said:

"I am delighted to have been invited to open the Jubilee Meadow. I hope that for many years people will love and care for this place, in memory of Queen Elizabeth's service. It is great to see that children from local schools have been so involved in creating this space and I hope they will return regularly to learn about our local ecology and take part in activities that will enhance the biodiversity of the site."

The official opening last month was attended the Friends of Heathfield Recreation Ground and Environs.

The event including a ribbon cutting by the Mayor and included community activities such as building insect hotels and 'hogitats' built by Twickenham School and Heathfield Junior School students.

Richmond Borough Mind staff also attended the ceremony, as there are plans for Richmond Borough Mind volunteers and service members to use the site as part of their programme to encourage access to nature.

Kamala James, Engagement Officer, said on behalf of Richmond Borough Mind:

"We're very excited to be working together with Friends of Heathfield Recreation Ground and Environs (FoHRGE) and Richmond Council's Friendly Parks for All project to help maintain this conservation area of Jubilee Meadows. Spending time in nature, being part of a community and working together to care for the environment can support one's wellbeing and help with mental health issues including anxiety and depression. This is a fantastic project for people who use our services and our volunteers to be involved with."