A campaign has been launched to save London and Richmond’s skylarks.

These ground nesting birds are often seen flying and singing above the vast grasses of Richmond Park.

They have an incredible song and fly vertically upwards towards the clouds before parachuting down in dramatic fashion – it is quite a sight.

Sadly, they have been placed on the RSPB’s ‘red’ conservation list. They are a globally threatened species. More than 50 per cent of breeding pairs have disappeared from the UK in the last 25 years. This is largely due to uncontrolled dogs and modern-day farming methods.

The London Wildlife Trust is appealing for donations to help put up fencing to protect nests, provide useful public information and to continue monitoring and responding to the needs of these incredible birds.

The charity has already raised £16,000 meaning workers will soon be able to carry out work at Yeading Brook Meadows in Hillingdon borough. But they need more funds to carry out other projects.

In the meantime, we can help by ensuring we keep dogs on a lead when near potential nesting sites. Uncontrolled dogs trample over or eat the eggs and destroy the small eggs.

Farmers or owners of large areas of land can help by ensuring they keep wide sections unkept and scruffy. The longer grass helps provide adequate protection for these amazing songbirds, undisturbed by farm machines.

The London Wildlife Trust, like other charities, is struggling through the current pandemic. It is expected to lose around £330,000 of income in the next six months.

Senior ecologist, Tony Wileman, said: “It is a worrying time for charities and we are so grateful for the help our supporters have given to ensure that we can continue to work hard for the survival of the wildlife all around us.

“We are working hard to bridge this gap, and every penny donated helps us to ensure the ongoing protection of all London’s wildlife. We need you now more than ever.”

£32 could help purchase a roll of sustainable chestnut paling fencing
£16 could help purchase durable signage
£75 could help pay for a day of surveying the skylark population with volunteers

For more information, visit www.wildlondon.org.uk/skylark