Feeds

Birdwatching and Nature Reserves in London

London is more than an urban metropolis. It also has a large amount of green space and much of this is important for plants, wildlife and people.

Over 300 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants thrive in a variety of wild habitats.

Within the capital there are urban wetlands, chalk grasslands and ancient woodlands. This means there's plenty of opportunity for birdwatching and nature spotting.

London Wetland Centre

The London Wetland Centre was the first project of its kind in the world. With more than 40 hectares of wetland habitat it was created from old reservoirs, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The centre has a number of different places from which you can view the rare and beautiful wetland wildlife, including a three-storey viewing hide.

Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It is now the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary.

There's plenty of nature to spot including wading birds, flocks of wild ducks, water voles, dragonflies and regular sightings of birds of prey and other rare birds.

During your visit, you can take advantage of the shop, cafe, visitor centre and adventure playground for the kids. There are also plenty of activities, including beginner's birdwatching talks and a kids' birdwatching club.

Local Nature Reserves

London Wildlife Trust has 57 nature reserves across Greater London, many of which can be visited by the public.

Find out more from the London Wildlife Trust website.

Spotting Rare Animal Species in London

Long-eared bat at the London Wetland Centre

You can see a number of nationally rare species in London.

Bitterns have visited the London Wetland Centre and Lee Valley Park regularly over recent winters and each summer brings black redstarts to brownfield sites (previously used but no longer used land) in London.

Britain's largest insect, the stag beetle, is scarce in many parts of the country but thriving in London. More humble creatures like the German hairy snail are also to be found on Walthamstow Marshes and along the Thames at Isleworth.

The Thames is also a rich resource for wildlife and provides occasional surprise as well – such as the northern bottle-nosed whale that became stranded in the river in January 2006. Unfortunately the whale didn't survive, but its presence and the ensuing rescue attempt captivated audiences around the world.

So keep your eyes and ears open and enjoy the many places where people and wildlife live side by side within the city.