London’s Top 10 Spots to Wonder at Wildlife

London is home to nearly 9 million people, so it’s no surprise that the first thing many people think of when it comes to our capital is imposing skyscrapers and closely packed buildings. But London is also a haven for wildlife, boasting both expansive forests and tucked away parks, all brimming with diverse flora and fauna. Many of these form part of the Green Belt, nearly 500,000 hectares of green space surrounding the city which helps to reduce the level of carbon in the air and support biodiversity.

However, many of these green spaces are taken for granted and face development, which would forcibly destroy the habitats plants and animals rely on, and prevent people from accessing nature. CPRE London works to protect these spaces, working with local campaigners and pressure groups to prevent further development and repurpose the land so those in and around London can continue to reap the benefits of being in nature.

There’s no better time to explore and support these hubs of wildlife, so continue reading to find out which of these spots could be your next day out in nature.

WWT London Wetland Centre
Nestled just south of the river in west London is the WWT London Wetland Centre, a nature reserve of more than 40 hectares. With opportunities to look out across the marsh and spot an array of birds, watch the otters at feeding time and walk amongst ponds teeming with dragonflies, frogs and other critters, you could spend hours discovering everything this wetland has to offer.

Purley Downs Golf Club
A recent plan released by the Mayor of London outlined that several golf clubs across the city will be considered for development due to their supposed lack of biodiversity. This south London golf club, however, seems more like a nature reserve than a golf course. Forming part of the Green Belt, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its of deer, pheasant and parakeet populations, as well as its abundance of oak, yew and whitebeam trees.

Sydenham Hill Wood
Staying in south London, this woodland comprises 11 acres and more than 200 species of trees, plants, fungi, insects, birds and mammals. Part of the ancient Great North Wood, which dates back to the 13th century, this woodland also features Victorian gardens and hidden trails, and is best visited from April to November.

Richmond Park
A popular spot in southwest London, Richmond Park is known for its ancient woods, rolling hills and open grasslands, and is one of the largest parks in Britain. What’s unique to the park is its 600 or so resident deer, making this a Special Area of Conservation, which highlights its role in providing a home for an abundance of wildlife.

Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve
Located in southwest London, this green space covers 120 hectares and was due to open to the public in December of 2023. Nearly two years on, however, the public still have limited access and the reserve remains incomplete, meaning it is unsuitable to provide a home for the species the nearby waste management company committed to protecting. This is a prime example of the empty promises faced by London’s green spaces, and the pressing need to protect them.

Epping Forest
Another portion of the Green Belt, Epping Forest provides a direct green link between London and Essex. Comprised of woodland, heathlands and wetlands, the forest doesn’t just provide an abundance of trees, but also a variety of bats, fungi and butterflies, to name a few.

Walthamstow Wetlands
Moving to the north east now, Walthamstow Wetlands is another fantastic day out for bird lovers. Located just 15 minutes from central London and free to visit, the wetlands is home to a wide range of wildlife, from rare waterfowl to birds of prey.

Camley Street Natural Park
Surrounded by bustling streets in the heart of London, this unique nature reserve was saved from development by London Wildlife Trust in the 1980s. Since then, it has provided a habitat for birds, butterflies and amphibians, with reedbeds along Regent’s Canal serving the extra function of absorbing excess nutrients, which in turn reduces pollution.

Mudchute Park and Farm
Situated in London’s financial district in the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute Park and Farm has provided a free and inclusive space for community members to interact with wildlife for almost 50 years. Sadly, it hasn’t yet secured its long-term lease and its future is at risk, which is why it’s essential we campaign to save London’s green spaces.

Hampstead Heath
Boasting heathland, woodland, hedgerows, meadows and ponds, this park attracts a wide array of plants, insects and animals. To top it all off, this hilly park also has a hidden pergola and hill garden with spectacular views of the rest of the heath, making it the perfect spot to wander and enjoy the wildlife around you.