The conservation charity Froglife has secured a £25,530 grant to create a wildlife pond at Ham Common Woods, in addition to two other projects in Haringey and Southwark.

The grant will be awarded by the Biffa Award, which helps to build communities and transform lives through community and environmental projects across the UK.

The Ham Common Woods pond work will be delivered as part of a scheme to encourage Londoners to protect amphibians and reptiles across the city.

Through surveying, mapping and creating new habitats, the project helps to conserve species like toads, frogs and newts – all of which are found in the capital.

The project will improve and enhance the biodiversity value of an area of woodland at Ham Common Woods by creating two new ponds.

It is an official site of metropolitan importance for nature conservation, next to Richmond Park and a local nature reserve.

Project manager Alan Shearman said: “As our towns and cities have expanded the habitat available for wildlife has shrunk.

“But with some careful planning and help from willing volunteers we can still create the right conditions for wildlife to thrive in urban areas.”

Richmond Council’s cabinet member for environment, Councillor Pamela Fleming said: “This is fantastic news for our beautiful borough and we’re delighted that our partnership work with Froglife has resulted in what will be a gorgeous wetland oasis courtesy of the funding provided by Biffa Award.

“The environment is a cornerstone of our work here at the council and we know how much our natural habitats, parks and open green spaces mean to our residents.”