Richmond residents have been encouraged to volunteer and get stuck into conservation and heritage projects on their doorsteps by the chief executive of a new leading charity.

Habitats & Heritage was formed this week following the merger of the Environment Trust and South West London Environment Network (SWLEN).

It is dedicated to looking after the natural and historic environment in South and West London and is now the top charity in this field in the local area.

Habitats & Heritage combines the expertise, experience and resources of both charities to deliver greater impact in conserving the natural environment and built heritage.

The launch coincides with England entering another lockdown, which is a chance for people to connect with their natural and heritage environment and really enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits this affords.

The charity is also promoting volunteering opportunities, events and resources that will enable all ages to explore, enjoy and preserve nature and heritage and it is calling on residents to support them and get involved.

Colin Cooper is the new Habitats & Heritage chief executive. He said: "We are the leading environment charity in south and west London and our mission is to protect and restore our threatened local rivers, green spaces and parks and historic built environment for this and future generations.

"Lockdown renewed our appreciation of nature and wildlife and its benefits for our wellbeing and mental health. As we go into another lockdown, we will have the chance to explore the local green spaces and parks, look after the wildlife in our gardens and discover hidden historical gems right on the doorstep.

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"When lockdown is lifted, there will be many opportunities for people to get involved with local conservation and heritage projects, from creating new green hubs to developing wildlife corridors and working on river projects or restoring iconic local buildings.

"Everyone can take pride in their local environment and make south and west London a haven for nature, wildlife, and heritage. We hope to attract many new supporters and feel this an exciting and critical time to be part of the bigger and brighter future of the charity."

Ways you can get involved

• tell us about the forgotten patches and small spaces near you and help us turn them into wildlife green hubs for nature

• volunteer for Habitats & Heritage – we offer different opportunities for all ages

• become a supporter by signing up to our Supporter Scheme for just £10 per year, which allows people to become further engaged in projects and find meaningful opportunities tailored to their interests.

Upcoming events

• November 8: Richmond's Literacy Festival, where local author Diana Darke will be discussing her new book Stealing from the Saracens, a history of Islamic architectural influence on some of Europe's most famous buildings, from Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament. This talk is part of Habitat & Heritage's project Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries, which marks the bicentenary of Victorian explorer, Sir Richard Burton, whose spectacular mausoleum is in Mortlake.

• November 9: book your online tickets for Marble Hill Remembers: Feeding Richmond and Twickenham in the wartime. Join Marble Hill head gardener Kate Slack who will discuss the role the allotments played in the wartime effort, the growth of food locally for sustenance and the allotments and heritage veg we produce on site today.

• December 5: World famous Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler will be hosting our popular children's workshop event online this year – tickets available soon.