A £44,900 lottery grant will enable Sutton residents to turn their back gardens and public areas into a haven for wildlife.

Forthcoming events and workshops will demonstrate how to create and maintain an oasis for wild animals, birds and plants and protect endangered species.

Sutton Council have been awarded the money by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to encourage the development of natural wildlife habitats.

It is hoped wildlife survival in the area will be improved, by raising awareness of the environmental and heritage value of back gardens.

Councillor Colin Hall, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change at Sutton Council, said: “Everyone with a garden or open space can play a major part in protecting endangered species and stopping the decline of our wildlife.

"This lottery grant will be a huge help in providing valuable training, advice and awareness on how residents can get involved.”

Mature trees, remnants of old orchards and hedgerows still exist within private gardens, school grounds and churchyards.

They provide ‘corridors’ or ‘stepping stones’ for shelter and feeding areas for vulnerable species such as the stag beetle and the small blue butterfly.

Other species that represent the natural heritage in Sutton include serotine and noctule bats, pipistrelle, little owls and tawny owls.

The project forms part of the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and is in addition to the conservation and development of ecological areas within the council’s nature reserves and parks.

Councillor Graham Whitham, Leader of the Opposition LBS, added: “This funding is much needed and welcomed.

"We do not want a soulless environment where there are no birds singing, no wild plants growing and no wildlife habitat. I welcome this opportunity for residents to do their bit.”