Streatham Common is a large open space in the London Borough of Lambeth. It was declared a Local Nature Reserve and includes areas of woodland, grassland and wild flower meadows. The common is well used by the local community for activities including walking dogs, jogging and playing sport.

Embrace Cooperation Ltd (ECL) is a non-profit, youth-led company that supports young people to achieve their aspirations through placements and work experience. Many of the staff and volunteer team are previous beneficiaries of its programmes. This was the company’s first environmental project. It aimed to raise local people’s awareness of the importance of the common as a natural heritage site. ECL also hoped to encourage young people from diverse ethnic communities to get involved in conserving the common.

ECL worked closely with The Trust for Conservation Volunteers (TCV), who provided training to 18 young people in tree identification, health and safety, and small tree felling. Training in nature photography was also offered to disabled young people.

Participants produced a booklet and factsheets about the common and a display that toured schools and other community venues. Young people interviewed older members of the community about their memories of the common and created a film which is available on the Embrace Environment Natural History of Streatham Common page.