As London continues to expand its urban footprint, the city's young adults are taking matters into their own hands – quite literally. The 'M25 for Nature' project, spearheaded by countryside charity CPRE London, has already started to pay dividends in terms of biodiversity and green sector skills development.
For Harry Ewing, 20, working on this initiative as a trainee with the Harington Scheme is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to something bigger than himself. Alongside colleague Josh Limb, he's been planting new willow, hornbeam, and hazelnut trees in Hadley Wood, north London, which not only enhances the forest's ecological resilience but also provides vital green sector training for young adults with learning disabilities.
The Harington Scheme has played a pivotal role in enabling the London Tree Ring project to achieve its mission. By providing practical conservation training, it helps future-proof skillsets in an increasingly green economy – and does so while bridging the gap for people with disabilities in accessing nature and contributing to environmental change.
Since its inception in 2023, the 'M25 for Nature' project has gained momentum, collaborating with numerous groups, landowners, councils, and volunteers to develop showcase sites across London. These include a community tree nursery in Hounslow, a micro forest in Sutton, and disease-resistant elm planting in Chessington – all contributing to a more connected and diverse ecological network.
As Phil Paulo, director of the London Tree Ring project, explains, their long-term vision spans over 25 years. It's not just about planting trees; it's about restoring ecosystems, developing brownfield sites, and improving existing natural habitats. The ultimate goal is to create thriving wildlife corridors that allow nature to recover – while reconnecting a new generation with the environment they call home.