A historic Harrow nature reserve is set to benefit from more than £124,000 in National Lottery funding to help protect both its wildlife and historic landmarks over the next five years.
Bentley Priory restoration project gets £125,000 boost
Harrow Nature Conservation Forum has been awarded £124,743 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore and protect Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, Harrow’s only biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The project will begin in September 2026 and run until August 2031, with work focusing on preserving both the reserve’s natural habitats and historic structures.
Much of the work will be carried out by volunteers, with the charity hoping to attract more local people to get involved in caring for green spaces across the borough.
Historic structures and wildlife habitats to be protected
Plans include stabilising the reserve’s historic Georgian obelisk, carrying out research into its origins, and repairing the Second World War pillbox, including replacing missing bricks and fitting a waterproof roof to help prevent further damage.
The project will also restore three historic viewpoints overlooking London by removing selected trees and scrub that have gradually blocked the views.
On the conservation side, volunteers will tackle the spread of bramble across the reserve’s flower-rich grasslands, helping native wildflowers thrive once again. The nature trail will also be updated with new signage to replace missing information boards.
Charity hopes to attract new volunteers
Stephen Bolsover, from Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players the lovely flower meadows and the historic old buildings at Bentley Priory will get a new lease of life.”
The organisation, which is part of the Harrow Heritage Trust, also revealed it will soon shorten its name to Harrow Nature Conservation.
The charity hopes the high-profile restoration project will encourage more volunteers to join its efforts to maintain Bentley Priory and other important wildlife sites across Harrow.
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