The Independent’s Rob Sharp has enlisted London Wildlife Trust’s help to compile a capital guide to urban wildlife spotting. From water voles and otters to red kites and peregrine falcons, the Trust’s Director of Biodiversity Conservation Emily Brennan provided him with the all the tools he needs to spot species in the UK’s cities.

A taster - red kites in the capital

Rob writes "Keep your eyes peeled for a strongly forked tail and reddish-brown plumage if you want to pick out a red kite. These large-ish birds do predate other animals but are mainly scavengers, picking through roadkill and rubbish bins (so fear not for your cat's safety).  In the 1880s, they were persecuted almost to extinction, but nowadays can be seen progressively moving into the edges of London from the west after some successful repopulation along the M4.

"When a pair raise their young, the young leave and look for new nesting territories, generally where there is lots of food available," explains Emily Brennan. "And this seems to be happening toward some urban areas."

For a feathery eyeful of kite, go to rubbish dumps and gardens; they have also been sighted in Hackney, east London. "It's common to see up to 50 in the sky in places. They are not shy and will come down and take food metres away from people," concludes Emily."

Rob’s spotters’ tips

"Local urban parks are a good bet; for bats, visit at dusk in the warmer months, or attend an organised bat walk. For any twitcher, a pair of binoculars is a must, and bat detectors – which pick up on ultrasonic cries – can be purchased over the internet.

"Know your paw-prints? If not, books exist to smooth the identification process. The Field Studies Guide series are cheap, cheerful (and conveniently laminated) aides to topics such as mammal paw-prints, or butterfly patterns.

"Estuaries and urban rivers are increasingly showing evidence of life: keep your eyes open, especially when the tide is low. Again, take a pair of bins and don't write anything off. According to the Zoological Society of London, porpoises have been seen in Gravesend and Greenwich; and dolphins all around the Isle of Dogs.

"For a comprehensive guide to any of the animals you are likely to see in London and beyond, as well as further information on those threatened visit www.wildlondon.org.uk"

And here you are!  Explore our site further for more species information and spotting advice.

Read Rob's full wildlife spotter's guide on the Independent website

Have you spotted anything interesting in the capital recently?  Let us know!  Register with GiGL and submit your sightings online.