Lib Dem campaign to get a full-sized Warren Farm Nature Reserve is now successful

Following much Lib Dem activity over the last four years, we can all celebrate as Ealing Council confirms at last that the Warren Farm Nature Reserve will be 24.8 hectares in size. 

The timeline of the events from 2022 is below:

• 2022 Labour planned to have cricket and football pitches on the area of Warren Farm that hosts many endangered species, including the Skylark.
• 2023 Lib Dem Councillor Gary Malcolm “called in” two Warren Farm decisions to protect the area from being damaged.
• In 2023, over 2,000 residents attended a rally organised by Warren Farm campaigners and Ealing Liberal Democrats complained about the Council’s plans at a Full Council meeting, where Councillor Gary Malcolm spoke in support of Warren Farm and its wildlife.
• 2024 Ealing Council made a U-turn to indicate it wanted a 24.8-hectare Warren Farm Nature Reserve. This was repeated in mid-2025.
• Later in 2025, and in early 2026, Labour Councillors appeared to have backtracked with proposals labelled as a smaller 20 or 22 hectare Warren Farm Nature Reserve rather than the full area.
• 3rd March 2026 Lib Dem Councillor Athena Zissimos asked an oral question at a Full Council meeting, and she received an answer that the Council planned to now confirm a 24.8-hectare Warren Farm Nature Reserve, but no date for when it was announced.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Athena Zissimos, spokesperson for Environment, Streets, Parks and Climate Change said: “Liberal Democrats are happy that Ealing Council have finally declared that a full-sized Warren Farm Nature Reserve will be granted. Warren Farm is a vital area of land which helps to protect many rare species of flora and fauna. Liberal Democrats for many years have fought alongside 26,000 residents to make sure that Ealing Council did the right thing.”

Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Gary Malcolm said: “Since 2022, the Liberal Democrats have had to undertake many actions to ensure that Ealing Labour did not change its plans. We are glad that the 26,000 Warren Farm petitioners will get a full-sized Warren Farm Nature Reserve. Warren Farm is such a wonderful asset, and we need to make sure it is fully protected so it can help improve our air quality and range of nature in Ealing. I would like to put on record the wonderful work that Warren Farm campaigners have put in to win this battle and manage the land to ensure it is in perfect condition for those who walk on Warren Farm. I am sure many people will raise a glass to thank all the volunteers of Warren Farm.”