Nature project in Tower Hamlets delivered by Clarion recognised at Unlock Net Zero Awards
India Dowdeswell and Abdul Habib from Clarion receiving the trophy from Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and Elizabeth Conboy from Renewable UK.
An urban rewilding and community engagement project in Tower Hamlets led by Clarion Housing Group was named winner of the Biodiversity and Nature Award at the Unlock Net Zero Awards.
Co-funded by the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, WildE3 has demonstrated how ecological restoration can deliver wide-ranging benefits to both people and place – something of particular importance in Tower Hamlets which is one of England’s most deprived and nature-deficient areas.
As part of the project which spans 35 hectares, Clarion’s North London Estates Team 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.
One of the main aims of the project was to increase the connection of local people to nature, as well as boosting awareness of biodiversity and improving wellbeing. By working closely with local teams from Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, the project engaged more than 350 people through 19 interactive workshops and co-design events.
The project team worked with Tranquil City and The Green Partnership to measure biodiversity improvements and wellbeing outcomes. 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 Unlock Net Zero Awards celebrate positive climate action from both an individual and organisational perspective. The awards seek to champion all, with categories to celebrate the success and collaboration of individuals, teams, partnerships, projects, and organisations.
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.”Becky Ritchie, Head of Sustainability at Clarion Housing Group, said:
“This award is a testament to the power of nature to bring people together. By giving these green spaces a new lease of life, we’ve not only restored habitats but also created places where communities can reconnect, recharge and thrive, and I look forward to exploring ways to replicate this approach to boost biodiversity and wellbeing.”