Biodiversity and nature award

WildE3 is an urban rewilding and community engagement project in Tower Hamlets, one of England’s most deprived and nature-deficient areas. It has demonstrated how ecological restoration can deliver wide-ranging benefits to both people and place.

Spanning 35 hectares, the project has transformed more than 2,500 square metres of lawn into wildflower meadow, planted more than 400 square metres of shrubs and hedgerows, and established orchards and wildlife habitats across the borough. These interventions have measurably boosted biodiversity, improved green space management and helped phase out pesticide use. WildE3’s strength lies in its deep collaboration with residents. The project has engaged more than 350 people through 19 interactive workshops and co-design events.

A follow-up survey found that 60% of residents reported increased knowledge about wildlife, 53% felt more relaxed, and 40% felt more connected to nature. The project also delivered training and apprenticeships, ensuring sustainable maintenance and long-term impact. The result is a scalable, evidence-backed model for inclusive nature recovery in deprived urban areas to help build healthier, greener cities for everyone.

The judges said:

“A well-constructed submission with clear measurable targets across a range of outputs and an extensive programme focused on nature recovery. This plan could serve as a blueprint for other areas across the UK”