About the Charity
Habitats & Heritage supports people across south and west London to enjoy and care for the natural and historic environment on their doorstep.
Founded in 1985 as the Environment Trust, the organisation originally focused on conserving local heritage at risk. Following its merger with the South West London Environment Network in 2019, Habitats & Heritage has grown into a dynamic charity championing biodiversity, heritage conservation and climate sustainability across Richmond and beyond.
Bringing People Together
Community sits at the heart of everything Habitats & Heritage does. In Richmond upon Thames, the charity leads initiatives including the Richmond Biodiversity Partnership and the Friends of Parks forum, while delivering a wide programme of volunteer days, walks and talks.
Their work is inclusive and far-reaching, welcoming children, people with learning needs and newly arrived residents, and ensuring everyone can enjoy and connect with local green spaces and heritage.
Transforming Local Spaces
A standout example of their impact is the community garden at Grimwood Road in Twickenham. Once an abandoned and overgrown site, it has been transformed into a thriving green space used almost daily by local residents and partner organisations.
Today, it’s a place where people grow food, build friendships and support their wellbeing - demonstrating the powerful role of accessible green spaces in strengthening communities.
Reviving History and Culture
Habitats & Heritage also manages Grove Gardens Chapel, a beautifully restored space now used for community events, film screenings, nature activities and wellbeing sessions.
The chapel is home to The Fixery, Richmond’s repair and reuse hub, and hosts a growing programme of cultural events in partnership with local organisations. Alongside this, the charity continues to protect unique heritage sites such as the Kilmorey Mausoleum and the Burton Mausoleum - bringing Richmond’s fascinating history to life for residents and visitors alike.
Volunteer Power
Volunteers are essential to the charity’s success. Over the past year, Habitats & Heritage has supported more than 3,600 volunteer hours across the borough, from conservation workdays to large-scale initiatives like the annual Thames litter pick, sponsored by Be Richmond – the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).
Businesses can also get involved through tailored team-building volunteer days, while professional services such as legal, IT and finance support are always in demand.
Tackling Local Challenges
The charity is working to address key challenges including unequal access to green space, biodiversity loss and the preservation of local heritage. By offering free, accessible events and targeted outreach, Habitats & Heritage is helping ensure that everyone in Richmond can benefit from- and help protect- the environment around them.
Get Involved
There are plenty of ways to support Habitats & Heritage. Popular events such as the Plant Sale for Wildlife, the Secret Art Auction and festive fundraising activities offer opportunities for businesses and residents to engage, sponsor or simply take part.
You can also support their work by organising a team volunteer day, sponsoring an event, or even hiring Grove Gardens Chapel for a unique woodland away day.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming year, the charity aims to expand opportunities for young people to develop conservation skills, grow engagement with underserved communities and deliver a vibrant programme of cultural and environmental events.
Their goal is simple but powerful: to bring people together through shared experiences that celebrate Richmond’s natural beauty and rich heritage.
Find Out More
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, partner or simply explore something new in Richmond, there’s a place for you within this growing community.
To learn more, get involved or support Habitats & Heritage:
