Bentley Priory Nature Reserve secures £124,743 for five-year restoration
National Lottery funding will restore historic structures and wildlife habitats at Harrow’s only Site of Special Scientific Interest
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Bentley Priory Nature Reserve in Stanmore will undergo a five-year restoration after securing £124,743 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding, awarded to the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, will cover work to preserve both the site’s wildlife habitats and its historic landmarks. The project begins on 1 September 2026 and concludes in August 2031.
Restoration work planned for historic structures and habitats
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The reserve, designated a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, contains several historic features. The project will stabilise the Georgian obelisk and research its origins. A Second World War pillbox will also be repaired, with missing bricks replaced and a waterproof roof installed to prevent further deterioration.
Three historic viewpoints overlooking London will be restored by removing trees and scrub that have obstructed them. On the conservation side, volunteers will clear bramble from flower-rich grasslands to support native wildflowers. The nature trail will receive new signage to replace missing information boards.
We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players the lovely flower meadows and the historic old buildings at Bentley Priory will get a new lease of life.
Stephen Bolsover, Harrow Nature Conservation Forum
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Volunteers to lead much of the work
The Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, part of the Harrow Heritage Trust, will oversee the project. The organisation plans to shorten its name to Harrow Nature Conservation in the coming months. Most of the restoration work will be carried out by volunteers, with the forum hoping to attract more local residents to participate.
The project aims to engage the community in maintaining Bentley Priory and other wildlife sites across Harrow. No formal consultation is required for the work, but residents can volunteer by contacting the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum directly.
What happens next
The restoration project will officially begin on 1 September 2026. The Harrow Nature Conservation Forum will coordinate volunteer efforts and manage the work over the five-year period. Updates on progress and opportunities to get involved will be shared by the forum as the project develops.
Questions this report answers
+What will the £124,743 funding be used for?
The funding will restore Bentley Priory Nature Reserve’s Georgian obelisk, Second World War pillbox, and three historic viewpoints. It will also support wildlife conservation, including clearing bramble and updating nature trail signage. The project runs from September 2026 to August 2031.
+Who is responsible for the restoration project?
The Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, part of the Harrow Heritage Trust, will oversee the project. Volunteers will carry out much of the work, and the forum is seeking more local residents to participate in the restoration efforts.
+How can residents get involved in the project?
Residents can volunteer to help with the restoration by contacting the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum. The project begins in September 2026, and opportunities to participate will be shared as the work progresses.
+When does the restoration work start and finish?
The project begins on 1 September 2026 and is scheduled to conclude in August 2031. The five-year timeline will cover both historic restoration and wildlife conservation efforts at Bentley Priory Nature Reserve.
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