Shape the Future of Hounslow Heath
Overview
Hounslow Heath is the only statutory Local Nature Reserve in the borough, designated in 1991 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and is designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, reflecting its high ecological value at Greater London and borough levels.
Covering 82 hectares, the site features:
- Rare heathland, acid and neutral grassland, scrub, broad leaved woodland and wetland habitats
- 230 plant species
- 342 invertebrate species, including nationally rare species
- Notable bird and bat populations
- A nationally significant adder population
Please note the area titled as Hounslow Heath Open Space is part of London Borough of Richmond and is not included in this Masterplan
Masterplan
The Hounslow Heath Masterplan and LWT 10-Year Habitat Management Plan set out a clear, community-led vision to restore the Heath’s habitats while improving access, safety and use.
Together these will work towards delivering on the opportunities recognised through engagement and field studies, so that Hounslow Heath:
- becomes a key destination space for nature based recreational activities and environmental education and training
- addresses access inequality to safe, high‑quality green space
- elevates its designation status to SSI or National Nature Reserve
- reintroduces species
- enhances residents’ mental and physical wellbeing
- rationalises cycle route provision and provides new green links
- re-establishes a wetland area
- becomes a nationally important donor site for Adders
- addresses anti‑social behaviour
- breaks the barriers faced by women, ethnic minority groups and disabled visitors
- promotes green travel connectivity and skills/volunteering opportunities
Thank you for participating in our survey, the engagement and survey findings report is available to view here.
We have engaged with:
Local residents and community groups
Nature and conservation enthusiasts
Schools and educational institutions
Faith groups
Recreational users (walkers, cyclists, etc.)
Local businesses
Stakeholder organisations (e.g., London Wildlife Trust, Crane Valley Partnership, FORCE, Zoological Society of London, MET, Lampton Greenspace, and relevant LBH departments)
Habitat Management
We know it is vital to restore the habitats in Hounslow Heath to safeguard the site’s long‑term ecological health, this is why the programme of works has been designed so that the Hounslow Heath Masterplan and the 10‑Year Habitat Management Plan are aligned and can be delivered together in coordinated phases.
This ensures early habitat improvements, access upgrades and safety measures all support each other, creating strong foundations for later phases and long‑term recovery of the Heath.
Next Steps:
The Parks Team and LDA Design have designed the Phase 1 Masterplan programme and identified a budget need. We are seeking additional funding to deliver this phase of works.
In parallel with the masterplan programme we have also been working with The London Wildlife Trust, who have been conducting field surveys to map species, and a 10-year habitat management plan is now available to view.
The Year 1 Habitat management programme of works has been agreed, funded and started in February 2026 and will be completed by February 2027.
(These works only take place in the Winter, when the adders are in hibernation and outside of bird nesting season)
The Year 2 Habitat management programme of works has been agreed, and we are actively seeking funding to deliver in Winter 26/27.
