Zabby Allen is a Ranger based in Bromley, and has been part of the Ranger community since 2022. In her day job, Zabby edits The Happy Newspaper and creates designs and illustrations for small businesses. Through a community group she co-founded, Wild South London, and her newsletter, Nature Notice Board, Zabby’s focus is helping people in South London and beyond connect with and learn more about the wonderful biodiversity on their doorsteps.
Q1
what inspired you to become a ranger?
I heard about London National Park City through Momtaz Begum-Hossain, whose husband is a Ranger. I’d always loved nature, but during lockdown it became fundamental to maintaining my mental health.
I’d recently gone on a foraging walk in Beckenham Place Park, which inspired me to sign up for a diploma in foraging. I was looking for more ways to become more actively involved in community projects and the Ranger Programme seemed like a great way to do that.
Q2
How are you making London greener, healthier, and wilder?
In 2023, along with a small group of other nature enthusiasts, I helped set up a community group called Wild South London of which I am now the chairperson. I’d been on a foraging walk with Rosanna Ottewell, who mentioned she wanted to set up a local biodiversity group. After conversations with Rosanna and another of her walk attendees, Lucy Cava, we decided to set up a group to help local people connect with and learn more about the biodiversity they could find on their doorsteps. We now run walks and workshops in South London green spaces and have some exciting plans for the future
Q3
What do you think has the single most positive impact of the environmental initiatives you’ve been part of?
People on Wild South London walks often tell us they’ll never look at “that tree” or “that plant” etc in the same way again. Sometimes all it takes is learning a simple fact about a tree, or touching its bark, to feel a connection to it. Once people feel that connection, they’re more likely to want to do all they can to protect the world around them.
Q4
What have you gained from being part of the LNPC Community?
I’ve met some wonderful people and my confidence has grown. This summer I was also lucky to secure some funding through the National Park City Foundation to enhance Wild South London’s future events.
Q5
Describe your proudest moment as a ranger
Holding the LondonNPC banner at the Restore Nature Now march in London this summer where I reconnected with Rangers and flew the flag for making London greener, healthier and wilder. A real highlight was the moment three peregrine falcons flew over our in Parliament Square – a real seal of approval!
Q6
Describe your most challenging moment as a Ranger and how you overcame it
The fact I no longer live in London is a challenge but through Wild South London, I’ve made sure I still have strong ties to my hometown. I’ve also done more online volunteering with LondonNPC, editing blog posts and interviewing Rangers.
Q7
What’s next for you as a ranger?
An exciting series of events for Wild South London this autumn and winter, using the funding from National Park City Foundation to enhance our walks and workshops and make them the best they can be.
Q8
What continues to motivate you on your Ranger journey?
The feedback I get from people whenever I take them out into nature and the feeling of being a part of a movement of people who want to create change.
Q9
What has been your most memorable encounter with nature in London?
I credit the kestrels in Beckenham Place Park with changing my life and switching my focus to nature-based work. My first encounter with them was in the snow, and a kestrel caught some prey just a few feet in front of me. From that day on, I’d look for kestrels every time I was out walking and got to know their habits quite well.
Q10
How can we encourage more people to ‘Do London Differently’?
By simply showing them what’s out there and inviting them to be a part of it. At Wild South London events we get a whole range of people, some of whom have never shown much of an interest in nature. Once they’re equipped with facts, or new ways of looking, they find it difficult not to be seduced by nature’s charms.
Q11
It’s 2029…as a community, what do you hope LNPC would have achieved by our 10th anniversary? And what might London look like as a result?
I hope LondonNPC volunteers and team members have been given an opportunity to be heard by those in power and local communities are encouraged to get involved in the decisions that affect them. I hope every Londoner has direct access to local green spaces, and a desire to use, respect, protect and enjoy them.
Read more Ranger Stories here.
Learn more about Wild South London at @wild_south_london or become a member.
Sign up to Nature Notice Board to receive free weekly articles to help you connect with nature, or follow Zabby on Instagram at @zabbyallen.
Find out more about London National Park City and how you can get involved by visiting our About Us page
Together, we can make London greener, healthier, and wilder..
