There’s a surprising amount of wildlife living in London. Beyond pigeons, bright green parakeets, red foxes, there are aesculapian snakes living in the trees along Regent’s Canal and 50 pairs of peregrine falcons nesting across the city’s rooftops (as revealed in David Attenborough’s recent documentary). That’s not to mention all the other creatures and critters roaming our streets, parks and skies. But there’s room (and a need) for more.
Last month, the Mayor of London laid out a local nature recovery strategy, which identified green corridors and pollinator support as key priorities for boosting biodiversity in the capital. Now, there’s a project underway to restore ecosystems and bring wildlife to some of London’s most nature-deprived communities.
A 14-mile ‘nature corridor’ will run from from Lee Valley Regional Park south towards the Thames through the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Haringey and Newham.
The project is being led by conservation charity Wild Cities in collaboration with local authorities, landowners, delivery organisations and civil society partners. The corridor will link community gardens, rooftops, canals, parks, football grounds and neighbourhood streets, turning them into one connected system rather than isolated pockets and making it easier for wildlife and pollinators to move freely through the capital.
The charity hopes that restoring biodiversity in the four boroughs will create healthier spaces for residents and opportunities for intergenerational connection and everyday engagement with nature. Research has shown that green infrastructure can also help to help to cool city streets and support food systems.
Wild Cities is calling on anyone who lives, works or studies in the areas along the corridor to help make it a reality. You can apply to get involved here.
ICYMI: This epic 150-mile walk reveals a hidden city – here’s why every Londoner should do it once.
Plus: Next week one of London’s major parks will get a brand-new garden.
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