Yesterday, Thursday 30 January, Kingston Council bid farewell to Elliot Newton, its esteemed local conservation expert.  

Newton "has arguably been the most influential figure in shaping the ecology of our borough in recent times," says Friends of Manor Park's Chair, Simeon Linstead.

"His touch has been evident in numerous projects aimed at enhancing our green spaces and local ecology."

As a local resident, Newton initially worked with the charity the Environment Trust (now known as Habitats and Heritage).

He established the Kingston Biodiversity Network and more recently joined Kingston Council as the Biodiversity Officer.

In this role, he was the sole individual at the council specifically tasked with managing the overall ecology of our borough.

Linstead said: "That's quite a responsibility within a council whose mantra is "cleaner, greener, and safer"."

In Old Malden, Newton has supported the work of Friends of Manor Park, giving the group the knowledge around how it could contribute to the management of the park's green spaces, including how the group can effectively run its volunteer activities.

Linstead said: "He gave us the confidence to gain real momentum, always being on hand to support as and where needed.

"He has always been eager to support our guided nature and heritage walks, which many of you have enjoyed. (We will resume these walks this summer.)"

Newton supported Friends of Manor Park's guided nature and heritage walks (Credit: Friends of Manor Park)

Elsewhere in Old Malden, Newton played a key role with the installation of the boardwalk at Six Acre Meadow, and most recently, contributed to the extensive ongoing restoration of Plough Pond.

Across the borough, he has enhanced the condition of numerous nature reserves: restored Fishponds Park, revitalized the wildlife pond at Claremont Gardens, and improved the Berrylands Nature Reserve.

He reintroduced river voles into the Hogsmill and is spearheading the transformation of Tolworth Court Farm into a thriving rewilded nature reserve.

The former council Biodiversity Officer was also behind the Greenway initiative, focusing on rewilding larger grassy verge areas to support more insect life.

These are just a few of the projects he's been involved with. Additionally, he played a crucial role in planning decisions, ensuring the local ecology was fully considered.

Newton also led the effort to create a Biodiversity Action Plan for Kingston Council, which now awaits the updated Local Plan before it can be fully implemented.

Speaking about Newton's departure from the council, Linstead said: "We extend our heartfelt thanks to Elliot for everything he has done. He will be greatly missed.

"Elliot will be moving on to become the Rewilding Director at Citizen Zoo, an organization he founded, which is now thriving and expanding.

In the immediate term, I implore Kingston Council to initiate the recruitment process for his replacement without delay – you've known about his departure for some time now. Otherwise, it will be challenging to maintain the momentum of our 'greener' focus.

"We also worry about planning decisions now lacking the input of an ecology expert."