Connect with nature!
The Wild Harrow programme is a series of themed volunteer and training events celebrating the wildlife and green spaces of Harrow.
This programme is delivered in partnership by Voluntary Action Harrow, Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, and Harrow Parks Forum. Together, we are working to promote wellbeing, grow volunteering opportunities, and strengthen local park and conservation groups.
Our activities are inspired by the idea of discovering the “wild” in our beautiful borough. Helping residents connect with nature, learn new skills, and meet others who care about Harrow’s parks and green spaces.
Whether you are:
We would love to welcome you!
Wednesday Wander – Trees & Hedgerows
May 13th 2026 10:30am – 3:30pm
Moth & Bat ID Night
16th May 2026 8:30pm – 11:00pm
Guided walk at Bentley Priory Nature Reserve with Harrow Conservation Forum
Learn about how the different users of the site have left their traces on the landscape, from a mysterious medieval dyke to a telephone exchange that played a critical role in World War II. See a Georgian obelisk that few eyes have seen for decades!
17th May 2026 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Parkbathe Wellbeing Walk
Meet outside Syd’s Café, West Harrow Park, Harrow HA1 4DX
21st May 2026 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Spring Awakening: Discover Urban Plants on a Guided Walk
Step into spring and see your local surroundings in a whole new way on this relaxed, guided walk. Learn how to identify the wild plants growing all around us. From tiny pavement pioneers to hidden green spaces and discover their fascinating stories, uses, and role in supporting urban wildlife.
25th May 2026 1:00pm – 3:00pm
The Yeading Brook – Clean Up
Join The Friends of Headstone Manor Park as we undertake vegetation clearance to the Yeading Brook as part of London Rivers Week.
28th May 2026 9:30am – 11:30am
Clearing non-natives to create space for native vegetation to recover and thrive
Volunteers at Gilberts Lake need help managing invasive non-native plants from around lake shorelines to restore native biodiversity. Historic Gilberts Lake, created by W. S. Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame) in 1899, is well established and hosts a colony of Great Crested Newts!
30th May 2026 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Removal of Holly to open up the woodland floor and encourage diverse plant growth
Most of us have enjoyed a walk in beautiful Stanmore Country Park. This hands-on session helps keep walking paths clear and enjoyable for everyone by removing holly that’s starting to encroach. Holly grows well in both sun and shade, which means it can quickly take over the areas if not controlled.
3rd June 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm
Urban BioBlitz: Bugs, Birds & Plant Discovery Walks
An event to look at and identify birds, plants, insects, animals and maybe a lichen or two. Anything living is “fair game”. You help find them; we identify them. There will be bird watching walks and general wandering to find plants and insects throughout the day. Come with hat and sunscreen and sensible shoes! We continue after dark with a bat and moth spotting evening. Our mothing light is very bright. We will bring some safety glasses but if you would prefer to wear your own UV sunglasses then please do.
13th June 2026 10:00am – 4:00pm
Moth & Bat ID Night (Continuation of the BioBlitz)
Come delight in the creatures that fly at night! We will be using bat detectors and a mothing light trap to see what we can find. Our mothing light is very bright so we will bring some protective glasses but if you would rather wear your own UV sunglasses then please do.
13th June 2026 9:00pm – 12:00pm
New planted tree care and general tidy
Did you know that Britain has lost 97% of it’s wildflower meadows since WWII? Roxbourne Rough remains a grassy wildflower meadow surrounded by trees and is managed and maintained by volunteers. Meet them to help out then enjoy some tea or coffee in the Roxbourne Park pavilion.
14th June 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm
Removal of bracken and bramble to reduce dominance of aggressive species and allow other plants and wildlife to flourish
Our pond will be getting a badly needed new boardwalk soon. Come help us prepare the area for its new boardwalk. We will be cutting back and removing invasive species and generally making the pond ready for its fabulous new boardwalk.
1st July 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm
Clearing invasives to prevent them from outcompeting native plants and improve local biodiversity
Grim’s Ditch and Dyke once stretched 6 miles through Harrow from Pinner to Cuckoo Hill. Get up close and personal with this registered ancient monument and help the volunteers at Old Redding take care of and preserve this gem for future generations.
4th July 2026 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Urban BioBlitz: Bugs, Birds & Plant Discovery Walks
An event to look at and identify birds, plants, insects, animals and maybe a lichen or two. Anything living is “fair game”. You help find them; we identify them. There will be bird watching walks and general wandering to find plants and insects throughout the day. Come with hat and sunscreen and sensible shoes! We continue after dark with a bat and moth spotting evening. Our mothing light is very bright. We will bring some safety glasses but if you would prefer to wear your own UV sunglasses then please do.
Moth & Bat ID Night
Come delight in the creatures that fly at night! We will be using bat detectors and a mothing light trap to see what we can find. Our mothing light is very bright so we will bring some protective glasses but if you would rather wear your own UV sunglasses then please do.
Partners
Funders
