Biodiversity in Bromley

Desilting Kelsey lakes, with this project to remove 22,400 tonnes of silt successfully concluded in March 2025. This work helped to improve water quality and habitats for wildlife at the Lakes and have contributed towards a wider initiative being delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency and Thames21 to improve the water environment for the River Beck. Overtime these works will help improve the biodiversity of the local area.

Six micro forests have been successfully planted in parks and greenspaces in the borough. A variety of native tree species have been densely planted in prepared ground mimicking naturally occurring forest structures to create resilient, biodiverse woodlands in the borough’s urban spaces. Once established, they will become a haven for biodiversity within Bromley’s green spaces, supported by the local community.

Bromley conducted Nature Friendly Verges (NFV) trials across 11 sites between 2023 and 2025, with 8 sites subsequently converted into permanent NFVs. The NFVs are cut once annually and left to grow for the rest of the year to provide habitat and support for the creation of pollinator corridors that link greenspaces. Biodiversity increased significantly, with 80 floral species recorded at the start of the trial in 2023, rising to 147 species by 2025. A new trial is currently underway across 5 additional sites.

Since 2023, Bromley has conducted a sustainable planting trial across 10 flower beds throughout the borough. The trial replaces planting that relies heavily on annuals with a mixture of perennials. These regenerating plants are less resource intensive to maintain and create enhanced habitats and mini ecosystems which are of particular benefits to pollinators and invertebrates.

Between 2021 and 2024, the council planted an additional 5000 street trees under our Treemendous tree planting programme recognising the health benefits that trees provide whilst also providing habitats and contributing to healthy ecosystems. Tree species were carefully selected the support the diversification of trees for resilience and habitat benefits.