The idea for the project emerged when residents at Kings Crescent Estate in Hackney were told by their housing officer they had to remove plant pots from the balconies outside their front doors because they were thought to be causing an obstruction, undoing... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 19:37:41 GMTThe Wildlife Trusts – including London Wildlife Trust – speak out after Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman MP announced yesterday that badger culling would be introduced in parts of England to combat the spread of Bovine TB among cattle.

The Wildlife Trusts and many other conservationists are concerned that a badger cull could actually lead to an increase in Bovine TB, an argument that is explained by a greater understanding of badger behaviour. Badgers tend to live in groups of four to seven animals with defined territorial boundaries. A decimation of badger numbers would disrupt the social group, subsequently causing any survivors to range more widely than usual in search of other badgers.

Carlo Laurenzi OBE, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust says,
Sat, 12 May 2012 00:39:36 GMTWed, 16 May 2012 06:31:12 GMTTo whom it may concern, 

TTN also rejected strongly Lord Selborne's suggestion that the public should tolerate levels of sewage in the Thames which fail to meet acceptable limits established by the Environment Agency and by experts throughout the world. TTN has issued a stark warning on the dangers to wildlife from lack of oxygen in th... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:16:52 GMTDownload the latest issue of Wild London (Winter 2011) for members of London Wildlife Trust ]]>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:17:41 GMTSince the start of London Wildlife Trust’s partnership project with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation; CLARE (Connecting London’s Amphibian & Reptile Environments) the partners have been very busy raising awareness and generating interest in the frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards that call the capital their home.

The project has taken shape around two of London Wildlife Trust’s living landscape areas (From Thorn to Orchid and River Crane) where amphibians and/or reptiles have been spotted before.  Covering over 15 of London Wildlife Trust’s reserves the population sizes of these animals on site ar... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 09:41:03 GMTAbout
Hedgehogs were long-cited as a suburban success story, but recent research points to an alarming decline in the UK’s hedgehogs. Hedgehogs’ ancestors roamed the earth before mammoths and sabre toothed tigers, and they have changed little over the last 15 million years. It is the UK's only spiny mammal and they are named after their pig-like habit of rooting through the undergrowth for food. 

Read more

Alarming decline
Hedgehogs have been included in the <... ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:34:30 GMT
CMF are seeking additional full-time and part-time membership recruiters in most areas of London. If you are enthusiastic and reliable we want you to work on behalf of London Wildlife Trust at pre-booked venues and at organised events and shows. Most of this work is at weekends, however we do operate year round and weekdays, venues tend to be within an hour's travel from your home.

The role is ideal for people seeking a career or lifestyle change, applications from mature, professional people with above average communication and interpersonal skills are highly sought after. Applicants must be enthusiastic, outgoing and enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. Working patterns are flexible, typically three to five days per week. 

Various generous income options are offered, including bonuses: a self-employed/freelance option is also available with potential for significantly higher earnings. No previous experi... ]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:37:25 GMTVolunteers on London Wildlife Trust’s Wild London Inclusive London project have recently built three nest boxes for tawny owls, and are looking forward to the owls spreading beyond their current home at Abney Park Cemetery, contributing to the Hackney Biodiversity Plan. Although there are natural nesting sites in the veteran trees in the Cemetery, these are in short supply in the surrounding area, which means that artificial nest sites are needed to allow the owl population to recover.

The idea was suggested by Lorraine Tillett, of East ... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 16:13:43 GMTYou can support London Wildlife Trust in a variety of other ways. Whether you are looking for bird food, ethical gifts, or products from well-known retailers, you can raise money for London Wildlife Trust at the same time.

Farm foods.

When you buy bird food from Vine House Farm they donate money to your local Wildlife Trust. Visit the farm’s online shop and start raising money for us with all your seed purchases. The farm itself is a great example of environmentally sensitive and wil... ]]>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:23:44 GMTToday, 15 major environmental charities and amenity groups representing over 5 million people have come together in a unique coalition in support of proposals to construct the Thames Tunnel to end the scandal of 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage which enters the capital’s river every year. Please see below the joint statement agreed by the Thames Tunnel Now partners, including RSPB, WWF-UK, Thames21, Angling Trust and London Wildlife Trust.

Support the Thames Tunnel Now!

A coalition of national and local organisations has called for MPs and local councils to support the construction of a new tunnel under the Thames which will stop tens of millions of tonnes of sewage overflowing into London’s river each year. The tunnel proposal, whi... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:33:03 GMT ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:14:11 GMTThe proposed National Planning Policy Framework is a cause for concern for the security of London’s wildlife and natural spaces.

Natural green spaces and wildlife habitats could be at greater risk under the new planning system, as set out in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which closed for public consultation on 17th October.

The NPPF represents an overhaul of an admittedly complex planning system, and sets out ‘national priorities and rules’ within a ... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 19:35:49 GMTThe proposed High Speed Two (HS2) train route is likely to impact 18 wildlife sites in London and threatens 160 wildlife sites in seven counties.

Take action now to help London Wildlife Trust make the Government think again.

Add your voice to ours, if you care about wildlife, wherever you live. Reply to the Government's consultation here.

Read about our concerns to help inform your answers:
Position Statement
Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:03:08 GMTAbout: The ‘true’ black poplar is one of the rarest trees in Britain. One of our most fascinating native trees, the black poplar has a deep historical connection with Britain. But with an ageing population of sparsely distributed trees, there are now very few truly wild black poplars left in the country. Black poplar can be seen at The Chase LWT Reserve in Barking & Dagenham. 

Read more

Read more Make a donation to London Wildlife Trust today and help us to protect London’s wildlife and wild spaces - now and for future generations. With your help we can continue to make a difference. 

Donate online - using the facility on the right of this page.

Donate by text - simply text WILDLIFE to 70007. The text will cost £3 plus your standard network rate, of which a minimum of £2.40 will go to London Wildlife Trust. 

Donate by telephone - 020 7803 4272 

Download our donation form. Then, donate by email - enquiries@wildlondon.org.ukTue, 15 May 2012 13:23:53 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust is looking for dedicated people with a passion for wildlife conservation. To join the Trust and help us achieve our vision for London, see the list of current vacancies below.

• Burgess, M. (Ed.), (2008), London's Changing Natural History; Classic papers from 150 years of the London Natural History Society, LNHS


• Burton, J. A., (1974), The Naturalist in London, David & Charles 

• Burton, R. (1983), The Flora of the London Area, London Natural History Society

• Dixon, C., (1909), The Bird Life of London, William Heinemann

• Fitter, R.S. R., (1947), London’s Natural History, New Naturalist 3, Collins 

• Goode, D. A. (1987), Wild in London, Michael Joseph 

• Harrison, J, and Grant, P. (1976), The Thames Transformed; Lo... ]]>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:34:15 GMTIn 2000 the Greater London Authority was established readopting a new strategic planning role and absorbing the work of the London Ecology Unit. In a spirit of legislative enthusiasm, the Authority developed a Biodiversity Strategy for London (2002) and championed measures to tackle new environmental concerns, including noise pollution, and most importantly, climate change. Government had already tried to kickstart an ‘urban renaissance’ through the Urban Task Force, and had identified opportunities to develop the city eastwards along the Thames Gateway. Whilst regeneration proposals appeared to have little environmental sensitivities, by 2010 the ecological characteristics of the broader Thames estuary became embedded within a Thames Gateway Parklands vision.
  
  Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:56:11 GMTEcological damage and local activism
  By the 1970s it became increasingly obvious that widespread biodiversity loss and significant habitat damage was occurring in the wider countryside, further compounded by the impacts of the Common Agricultural Policy after 1973. The Nature Conservancy Council highlighted the erosion of the SSSIs, forcing a reappraisal of policies for nature conservation and eventually new legislation, the Wildlife & Countryside Act in 1981. Another significant impact to our landscape was a new epidemic of Dutch elm disease (caused by fungi originally from Asia) which took hold in the mid-1970s and effectively wiping out most of the British elms by the early 1980s.
  
  The 1970s witnessed a growing reaction from local communities against real - or perceived - discriminations and injustices. Green politics, dominated by nuclear concerns, emerged, and were often expres... ]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:28:08 GMTTowards Homes for Heroes
  By the turn of the 20th century, London had expanded to almost 20km across; a buzzing smoky city of 6.5 million people served by a rural hinterland. Wildlife still hung on in many urban parks, for example rookeries in Herne Hill, but elsewhere within the city pollution, lack of habitat, and persecution still kept species down (for example, magpie and jay were almost absent).
  
  London’s Metropolitan Boroughs and Urban District Councils took on the management of many parks, and whilst these were mostly managed intensively, there were provisions for people to experience some nature. There were even early expressions of wildlife conservation: Perivale Wood, bought by the Ealing branch of the Selbourne So... ]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:30:32 GMTLondon exploded into her surrounding countryside from the early 19th century, fuelled by the Industrial Revolution and the growth of the railways. These helped spur new urban development and the creation of new suburbs – the ‘railway suburbia’ of Wiilesden, Battersea, Norwood, and Hackney. The city’s population multiplied over 6-fold between 1801 and 1901. Much open space was lost in the process. Woodlands that had survived due to their economic importance fell into dereliction undermined by cheap coal, new technologies and imports. Enclosures were enacted to privatise common land (often referred to as ‘wastes’), which was then sold for new developments. Only land on steep slopes or otherwise difficult to access became safe. Campaigns began in the 1860s to protect many spaces for the benefit... ]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:45:28 GMTFrom the Middle Ages London was the centre of much trade and increasingly a powerful influence on international politics. These had impacts on her nature, through generating need for timber (ship-building), increased importation of timber, which meant we could exhaust our local woodlands, as well as species for ornamentation, or those that inadvertently accompanied ships back to port. Horse chestnut and sycamore had arrived by the 16th century, as had the black rat, which soon made its home in London’s dockyards and houses.
  
  In 1666 the Great Fire of London was followed by the yellow flowering of London rocket in the burnt ashes, a Mediterranean species suited to the laval slopes of Mount Etna. The Fire also stimulated a new approach to city planning and a move towards brick building. The Scientific Revoluti... ]]>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:13:18 GMTExplore London's natural history from the ice age to present day...
  
  • Ice Age to Middle Ages
  • Trade, Power and Climate Change
  • The Polluted Victorian Expansion
  • Prehistory
    London is located largely around a shallow basin – ‘the London Basin’ – through which flows the Thames with ridges of hills to the north and south, and the floodplains widening as the Thames broadens eastwards to the North Sea. This basin is underlain by a broad seam of chalk laid down over 70 million years ago (mya), exposed at the North Downs and the Chilterns, overlain by thick glutinous London Clay and, at certain high points – e.g. Totteridge, Hampstead Heath and Sydenham Hill – 
    Do you want to connect with nature in the capital? There are lots of different ways to get involved with London Wildlife Trust, from one off events to regular volunteering sessions, in locations across London. 
    
    Whether you're a nature novice or an ecology expert, everyone's welcome, look below to find somthing that suits you.  
    
    Volunteer today
    Find out about current volunteering opportunities across London, from drop in sessions and one off events, to more regular sessions. 
    
    Central London Volunteering
    North London Volunteering
    We work with a range of partners in the delivery of our conservation work, especially local authorities, Government departments and agencies, other nature conservation organisations, some private companies, and local groups.
    
    Collectively, the 33 local authorities manage the largest amount of land under nature conservation management in London, usually through their parks management services. Many employ ecologists that provide additional expertise, and support for specialist projects. Critically, local authorities are also highly influential in the identification and protection of important wildlife sites through the planning process.
    
    The key government department is Defra, responsible for setting nature conservation policy, and providing resources, primarily through environmental stewardship schemes. Crane Park Island Volunteers
    Crane Park Island, Richmond Come down to your beautiful local nature reserve and get stuck in exploring the island and doing some practical conservation work. On the last Sunday of every month volunteers of all ages gather at the Shot Tower for a practical conservation work day on Crane Park Island. We meet at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
    
    Special Requirements: Wear sturdy shoes and if you are staying for the whole day bring lunch
    Where: Crane Park Island off Ellerman Avenue, Richmond
    When: The last Sunday of the month, sessions start at 10.30am and 1.30pm Number of volunteers needed As many as possible
    Contact: Find out what London Wildlife Trust means to David Mooney, Hackney Area Manager!
    ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 11:49:49 GMTUnlike rural Britain, the key influence on London’s nature is planning and regeneration. Huge areas of natural greenspace have been lost to the development of London since the 19th century. Despite successful campaigns to save some iconic sites, such as Wimbledon Common and Epping Forest, the continual loss of wildlife habitats through development in the 1960s and ‘70s made it imperative to put in place plans and policies to protect nature, not only for its intrinsic interest but also the benefit of people.
    
    The key frameworks are national planning policy (currently the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, and the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) and their articulations through Unitary Development Plans (UDPs), and more recently Local Development Frameworks (LDFs).
    
    National planning policy for biodiversity is largely articulated through Conservation Volunteers Barking Riverside 
    We need volunteers to help manage and create new wildlife habitats at Barking Riverside and the Ripple Nature Reserve. You will learn practical habitat management skills, wildlife surveying and get fit at the same time. Barking Riverside is home for the protected water vole, many rare invertebrates and a host of foraging wading birds. This area is also under redevelopment by Barking Riverside Ltd to provide 10,000 new homes and community and wildlife spaces. This role provides excellent work experience for anyone wanting a career in the conservation sector or anyone who wants to learn more about wildlife.
    
    Special Requirements:  All training and tools are provided but... ]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:13:46 GMTLegislation
    Nature conservation in London (and England) is based on a legislative framework developed and shaped from over 120 years of campaigning and advocacy by many people. It is historically based on three key pieces of legislation; the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949, the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and what is now the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). These set out a framework of statutory sites for the protection of biodiversity and landscapes, protection for a range of species, measures for management for a range of species, and policy to protect nature conservation interests within the planning system.
    
    Aspects of this legislation have been updated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act), Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006, the Conservation of Habitats & ... ]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:09:20 GMTBermondsey and Borough Bushcraft Project
    Do you like working with young people? Do you know your spade from your shovel? Or fancy yourself as a bit of a Ray Mears? Our Bushcraft and conservation project engages with teenagers at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and teaches them new skills through a series of bushcraft and conservation sessions. We are looking for volunteers to help support and engage with the groups and bring ideas and lots of energy. No specific experience is required but if you do have experience of working with young people, practical conservation or bushcraft- all the better! Training will be provided.
    
    Where: Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Peckham and other sites all based in Southwark.
    When: TBC
    Special requirements: A friendly, patient and positive manner. Knowledge of practical conservation, bu... ]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:59:53 GMTDo You Dig It – Volunteer Leaders programme (Next intake: August)
    A reworking of our old Graduate Trainee Volunteer at Camley Street foranyone looking to obtain the skills needed to find a job in the conservation sector.  Gain experience in our busy urban nature reserve working with people and wildlife on the Do You Dig It? project.  You will gain skills and training in running a visitors centre and park, organising events, environmental education, running practical workdays, and in practical conservation and horticultural tasks during a structured 3 month placement, with an optional fourth month to run a mini project.   This is a fantastic opportunity to gain the skills often required by employers in the sector, and suitable, committed volunteers will have the chance to gain paid work with the Trust.
    Sun, 13 May 2012 12:05:51 GMTHTML expert volunteer - Communications
    We urgently need an HTML expert to create an HTML e-mail newsletter template to be used for our member and stakeholder communications to inspire people to get involved in protecting London's nature.  If you are interested in helping us please see the contact details below.
    
    Where: London's Wildlife Trust's central office in SE1
    When: As soon as possible
    Contact: Kate Symonds, 020 7803 4293
    
    
    Do You Dig It – Volunteer Leaders Programme (Next intake: August)Sun, 13 May 2012 12:07:41 GMTThe Trust has a number of local groups that work for wildlife in their areas. The activities undertaken by each group vary widely:

    • organising walks and talks
    • practical work on nature reserves
    • advising on planning applications
    • making links with local authorities and other wildlife related groups
    • local biodiversity action plans
    • fundraising for local projects and more

    Our groups are always keen to see new faces. Find out about drop in events in your area by searching our Events Listings. You can also read more about your local group's activities below, or ring your borough contact for more information. Most of our contacts are volunteers, so please be considerate with the timing of your call.

    Event Details
    
    See the rich natural life of a suburban park - not only a surprising range of native animals and plants, but a supplement of exotics, and the odd problem. 
    
    
    To book your place contact Dave Dawson on 0776 236 4648 or email
    
    
    Links 
    
    Tfl Jounrey Planner 
      ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:57:29 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust has had a long history of volunteering and outdoor learning and in the last five years we have focused on engaging a wider breadth of London’s communities and young people in London’s natural environment.
    
    We have many projects running that provide innovative activities and unique experiences for people to get involved with nature and wild spaces in London. We have four objectives that focus on engaging people in our work, these are:
    
    Community Engagement
    Facilitate the participation of Londoners, especially in areas of social and economic deprivation, in the access to and improvement of their local natural environment and wider green infrastructure.
    
    Outdoor Learning
    To enhance outdoor le... ]]>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:10:02 GMT
    

    Basic expanding area
    Read more
    This only displays when the link above is clicked on.
    When writing content in these blocks, hitting return will leave you still inside the block itself. If you want content to follow after the block then you have to make sure you click on the line BELOW the last line in the content area.
    
    This is content after and below the first expanding block.
    
    
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    We had been managing this former Thames Water operational site as a nature reserve since 1988.  The site is a good example of a mature naturalised brownfield habitat holding great importance within the wider Lower Lea Valley. 
    
    Since the onset of the development of the Olympic Park the site had undergone a number of changes including the arrival of a long log-wall and railway ballast from the Olympic Park and the construction of a large Water Recycling Plant.  As a result, a new plan has been drawn to restore the nature reserve, integrate new biodiversity features and implement a new access management plan that will be of benefit to both people and wildlife.  For more information please contact Girish Rambaran. 
    
    In the meantime here is a glimpse into the restoration plans of the site.

    About
    Bees and wasps are probably our most familiar insects, visiting our gardens from spring until autumn. Bees perform a vital role because they are responsible for pollinating flowers, enabling us to enjoy apples, tomatoes and even more flowers next year. Wasps are also useful to gardeners and farmers because they eat many types of insect pests. There are many different species of bees and wasps living in the UK, some form colonies and some are solitary. 
    Read more
    Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:28:15 GMTAbout
    That deer might be roaming the streets of the capital seems bizarre and improbable. Yet there are growing signs that deer really are moving into London. There are regular sightings in the woods of Havering, Hillingdon, Bromley and Waltham Forest. There have even been reports of deer at Sydenham Hill Wood in Southwark and Tooting Bec Common in Wandsworth. While deer living in London might be a welcome sight, their arrival poses dilemmas over the damage they can do to woodland and gardens. There are six types of deer living wild in the UK, including the red and bambi-like fallow deer. The species that is really moving into London is the muntjac, although fallow deer appear to be in Havering. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:30:41 GMTAbout
    Foxes have made a success of living with people. This is not so much because of their mythical cunning, but rather their ability to adapt to a range of changing conditions. Now accustomed to living in close range of humans, successive generations have spread inwards towards the city centre. Today there can be more opportunities of food and shelter in towns and cities than in the surrounding countryside, with the destruction of hedgerows, woods and wild field margins.
    Read more
    Living with people
    Foxes started appearing in towns and cities following World ... ]]>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:46:28 GMTWe could not deliver our important work across the capital without the generous support of a wide range of trusts and foundations, lottery distributors, landfill funders and other grant making bodies. From community outreach to landscape conservation to campaigning activity, our grant funders support a broad range of exciting and inspiring initiatives across the Trust for benefit of London’s people and wildlife.
    
    We are immensely grateful to our supporters, whether large or small. Below we have listed just a few of our current funders whom we would like to thank:
    

    • The Cadbury Foundation supports Wild about North Hackney, a program... ]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:14:27 GMTAlong with the Thames, the London Wildlife Trust has reserves on the River Crane, the River Colne and the River Wandle.
      
      What are rivers and streams?
      London’s natural history is tied to its most valuable and best-known asset, the River Thames. One of the cleanest metropolitan waterways in the world, the river continues to surprise with over 120 species of fish and visits from common seal as far up river as Richmond. Running into the Thames, London’s rivers and streams provide secretive green corridors within the urban environment connecting plant and animal communities throughout the capital.
      
      Whose habitat is it?
      The River Colne ripples with rich aquatic life - banded demoiselle damselflies and the brilliant blue flash of the ... ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:33:53 GMTAbout
      Tower mustard is classified as vulnerable in Great Britain. An 'opportunistic species', tower mustard is able to grow in areas which are extensively grazed, occasionally managed as arable land, or in conifer plantations being clear-felled. However, its usual habitat is dry sandy hedgebanks, grasslands and dry woods, thriving in full sun light and on free-draining, sandy soils. The plant also produces abundant seeds which sometimes last for many years, meaning it can often miraculously reappear on old sites after long periods of absence. 
    Read more
    About
    The stag beetle is a globally threatened species and is Britain's largest terrestrial beetle. Its distribution has contracted in the last 40 years due to a number of pressures. Stag beetles are harmless and do not damage living wood or timber; they have a very long life cycle. LWT reserves Sydenham Hill Wood and Gutteridge Wood are good places to spot stag beetles. 
    Read more
    Pressures
    Stag beetle numbers have declined since the 1940's, and their UK distribution ... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 17:37:07 GMTAbout
    The story of Britain's squirrels is one of both success and failure. Once populating the entire British Isles, the number of native red squirrels has plummeted so that it is now essentially restricted to Scotland and northern England with small isolated populations scattered elsewhere. There are now a number of red squirrel conservation initiatives in place. The grey squirrel was introduced into Britain little over a century ago in the late 19th century from America. Suited to the climate and habitat, it has become widespread. Red squirrels no longer exist in London, whilst grey squirrels are our most commonly seen wild mammal. 
    Read more Wildlife can thrive in the most unusual of places, including reclaimed industrial wasteland and alongside railway tracks.
    
    What is wasteland?
    London’s remaining wastelands were once the site of railway sidings, factories, housing, docks or power stations. Whether colonised naturally or created, the diversity these areas support can be unique, providing a mosaic of species that enrich our urban environment. Railway linesides also provide vital green corridors for a variety of plants and animals.
    
    Whose habitat is it?
    The open character of some of these areas, with their disturbed soils and bare patches, makes them excellent for invertebrates and reptiles. Even the smallest wasteland site can provide a refuge for wildlife within dens... ]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:36:45 GMTHome to a range of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds and a host of other wildlife, ponds and standing water make fascinating viewing. The threat of development, natural infilling and climate change threaten the biodiversity and recreational value of this habitat.
    
    What is a pond?
    From standing water in nature reserves to the purpose built one in your back garden, ponds of all shapes and sizes provide a vital wet habitat for plants and animals.
    
    Whose habitat is it?
    Ponds are important habitats for amphibians and also attract dragonflies and damselflies, as well as providing wet and boggy areas for plants. They are important breeding grounds for common newts and fr... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:55:08 GMTAs some of London’s last remaining tracts of countryside, meadows make beautiful places for a spring or summer walk. The hedgerows, bright with spring blossom, provide excellent nesting and feeding sites for birds. Butterflies are abundant in summer when grasses and flowers bloom in the ancient hay meadows, while lush vegetation thrives in the ditches, providing shelter for amphibians.
    
    What are meadows?
    They are small, flower-rich, agricultural grassland that is not intensively managed. They are unimproved and largely consist of a mixture of grasses including wild varieties.
    
    Whose habitat is it?
    Among the most frequent grasses found in neutral meadows and pastures are Yorkshire Fog, smooth meadow grass, crested dog's tail, sweet v... ]]>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:03:44 GMTPrivate gardens form an important part of the capital’s landscape and make up about one fifth of greater London. For many of us, gardens are our first and most frequent point of contact with nature.
    
    What are gardens?
    They are probably the most varied areas of green space in the capital, ranging in size from tiny backyards and roof terraces in central London, to the elaborate landscaped parkland of London's big houses.
    
    Whose habitat is it?
    Garden ponds support amphibians and dragonflies. Dense undergrowth provides good breeding sites for small birds, many of which have suffered significant declines in t... ]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:49:48 GMTAbout
    Britain’s largest vole, the water vole was once common and widespread in Britain but is now much scarcer due to a number of pressures put on its population. London Wildlife Trust reserves Crane Park Island and Frays Farm Meadow are good places to go to spot water vole. 
    Read more
    Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:40:39 GMTAbout
    The fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons have been in and around London for many years. Until recently sightings were rare. By the mid 1990s individual birds began to spend the summers in the city, and by the late 1990s peregrines became a more common sight. They prey on a wide range of birds including pigeons. 
    Read more
    Pressures
    The strongholds of the breeding birds in the UK are the uplands of the north and west and rocky seacoasts. Peregrines have s... ]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:41:29 GMTAbout
    London rocket is a common, annual Mediterranean ‘weed’ species and normally requires some summer sun and heat to produce seeds. It is unknown when London rocket was first found in London, but it was known to be plentiful at the time of the Great Fire in 1666. Its presence was sparse and sporadic across the rest of Britain and is thought to have benefited from the warm city centre. After the Great Fire, the plant slowly dwindled in its distribution and may have become very isolated or even disappeared. 
    Read more
    About
    People have a love-hate relationship with the house sparrow. They bring life to city centres and other man-made places and are the most familiar of wild animals for many people. However, the house sparrows partiality to grain crops and the damage and destruction this causes has in the past resulted in attempts to control their numbers. Once a common bird in London, the rate of decline is truly alarming. The house sparrow population in Britain has dropped by 64% in the last 25 years. 
    Read more
    Heathland is an almost exclusively man-made habitat created by lightly grazing land on acidic sandy soils after the removal of birch and oak woodland. Many animal and plant species are only found on this type of habitat and with acid grassland which it is often associated with. Only 80 hectares of this habitat now remains in London as most has been lost to development, has reverted back to woodland, or has become improved for use for sports uses due to its good drainage.
    
    What is heathland?
    Heathland is traditionally made up of a mix of plants such as ling (heather), bell heather, gorse and broom with a scattering of bracken plus a few trees of silver birch and sessile oak. Varied lichen and moss species also thrive here. They are typically very dry habitats on sandy soils.
    
    ... ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:38:07 GMTAbout
    This nationally scarce plant was first recorded in the wild in the Britain in 1724, and so was noted as a ‘neophyte’ or newcomer to the British flora. It is now found mostly in grassland and open scrub on chalk, notably on the North Downs on the southern fringes of London. London Wildlife Trust reserve Hutchinson’s Bank is a good place to see greater yellow-rattle. 
    Read more
    Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:54:07 GMTAbout
    Although frogs and toads are a fairly common sight, the spread of London's urban environment has led to the destruction of the vast majority of the ponds that existed in the region. The survival of London’s amphibians has been severely threatened by this loss. The only saviour of the common frog and toad has been the increase in the number of garden ponds, which provide an alternative to lost wildlife habitats. Sadly, toads have been less successful than frogs in adapting to garden ponds and their numbers have been particularly affected by the loss of natural wetland habitat. 
    Read more
    Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:57:09 GMTAbout
    The black redstart is a nationally rare species and London supports a significant number of breeding pairs. London is one of the UK's most important locations for this species - their population in the capital makes up between 10 and 30% of the national breeding population. The species is now under threat from the planned regeneration of much of its breeding ground - the Thames corridor. 
    Read more
    Under threat
    The black redstart used to be common in London - it'... ]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:56:10 GMTAbout
    All British bats are relatively small. There are 17 species the breed in the UK and six species are found in Greater London. All bats are protected by law under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 because their populations are in decline due to a number of different pressures. Good places to see bats are Sydenham Hill Woods and Frays Farm Meadows. 
    Read more
    Six species
    The pipistrelle, the noctule, Daubenton's bat, Natterer's bat, the brown long-eared bat and the... ]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:20:36 GMTNorth London
    Phil Paulo, based at Camley Street Natural Park, Camden
    ppaulo@wildlondon.org.uk / 020 7833 2311
    
    South London
    Celia Hammond, based at the Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Southwark
    chammond@wildlondon.org.uk / 020 7252 9186
    
    child membership on behalf of your school or educational group please contact Membership. For just £15 per year your class will receive four issues of our children’s magazine – Wildlife Watch. If you would like additional copies a sliding scale of payment options are available.
    
    Other useful links for teachers
    
    North London

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Green Schools teaching resource pack and training
    This excellent resource is our primary curriculum-based pack using outdoor space. The pack comes with a training and inset session for staff explaining how to use it effectively.
    
    The pack contains: 'The National Curriculum Outdoors KS1 and 2' and 'Gardening in the School Grounds', plus health and safety notes and other useful information.
    
    Green Schools wildlife sessions at your school
    London Wildlife Trust has a team of dedicated education officers who can deliver curriculum-linked education sessions at your school, and in y... ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:11:34 GMTSun, 13 May 2012 08:29:40 GMTAcid grassland is a rare habitat in London associated with open areas on acidic sandy soils. It is also often associated with heathland and has developed in a similar way but with increased grazing or mowing. Acid grassland in a good condition is restricted to a few locations, as much has become developed for sports facilities or improved for amenity use which as a result lacks the species diversity that appropriate management maintains.
    
    What is acid grassland?
    Acid grassland is a meadow habitat that has developed usually through grazing or mowing on predominantly sandy acidic soils. In London it is often dominated by the grasses red fescue or wavy hair-grass with purple-moor-grass and mat-grass also being present. Sheep’s sorrel is usually plentiful too and other plant species include heath be... ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:32:36 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust has been carrying out conservation activity for over 30 years, guided by our aim to protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species populations within the capital, and to engage Londoners in this work.
    
    Our conservation work is based on conservation best practice and scientific foundations. It is embedded within the Biodiversity Action Plan framework at a national, regional and local level – this helps to identify what is important in London, and help us to prioritise our action accordingly. It also aims to meet the objectives of various open space and planning strategies, for example the Alan Rick – Chair
    
    Dianne Murphy – Hon Secretary 
    
    Mike Brook – Hon Treasurer
    
    Toby Aykroyd
    
    Iain Boulton
    
    Tajinder Lachhar 
    
    Saskie Laing 
    

    
    Adam Wilson

    
    

    Paul Wood

    Noga Zivan

    
    

    ]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:50:27 GMTCarlo Laurenzi- Chief Executive
    
    Mathew Frith- Deputy CEO
    
    Ed Dean- Director of Fundraising and Marketing
    
    Jenny Howard- Director of Finance
    
    Leah McNally – Director Of People and Wildlife
    
    
    ]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:11:58 GMTPatrons
    
    Lord Peter Brooke
    
    Lord Chris Smith
    
    Simon Hughes MP
    
    Lord Peter Meltchett
    
    Bill Oddie
    
    
    President
    
    Chris Packham
      ]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:09:37 GMTLondon Environmental Education Forum
    The London Environmental Education Forum (LEEF) was set up in 1989 as a membership organisation to promote and champion the delivey of environmental education across Greater London.
    
    The forum's members work across the sector, taking in frontline teaching roles to backroom policy, and everything in-between. Their members share information through training and networking events, and a regular newsletter. LEEF organises workshops and seminars to enhance members' skills, spread best practice and provide networking opportunitie... ]]>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:17:20 GMTContact your local nature reserve to find out how your school can get involved.
    
    Services for schools
    London Wildlife Trust offers a variety of packages to schools. From teaching resources, wildlife lessons and green events to consultations and school grounds enhancement, see what services we can offer you.
    
    Visits to nature reserves
    London Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve... ]]>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:07:10 GMTFri, 02 Sep 2011 15:56:03 GMTEveryone has the opportunity to help create the UK's largest nature reserve – with the launch of the 'Big Wildlife Garden' (BWG) competition.

    The competition - a commitment in the Government's recently published Natural Environment White Paper - is being run by Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod.
    Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Integer posuere erat a ante venenatis dapibus posuere velit aliquet. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.
    
    
    Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit.
    
    Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
    Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor.... ]]>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:59:48 GMTNew water vole footage from Barking Riverside
    
    Last week, we set up a motion sensor wildlife camera focused on a water vole hotspot. We left it running for a week and have managed to get three clips of live water voles roaming around the ditch edge. We have now repositioned the camera so hopefully we’ll get better and longer footage in the upcoming weeks.
    
    In the meantime check out these videos on You Tube:
    
    
    

    You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K38CO9sEDrM

    
    
    

    You Tube Video There are loads of ways you can get involved with London Wildlife Trust whether you want to become a member, join us at an event, get your business to support us or spend some time volunteering with us. As a charity London Wildlife Trust depends on support from people and businesses across London. London’s nature really does need your help, so please find out how you can get involved.
    
    Events
    
    Become a Member
    
    Wildlife and Business
    
    DonateMon, 16 Jan 2012 10:23:51 GMTBiodiversity
    London Biodiversity Partnership
    The National Biodiversity Network
    
    Species
    Birds
    Black Redstart Survey
    British Trust for Ornithology
    East London Birders Forum
    wildlife to ensure we are meeting our conservation objectives, and assessing the trends of species and habitats.
    
    We need your help to assist us understand London’s wildlife and the measures we and others need to put in place to protect and conserve habitats in the future. These needn’t be rare species; the status and distribution of widespread and familiar wild animals and plants can also be very important to help us track trends.
    
    Please submit your wildlife sightings to Greenspace information for Greater London.
    
    Greenspace Information for Greater London ... ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:58:21 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust is one of the 47 Wildlife Trusts which form the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a nationwide network of local nature conservation charities.
    
    The Wildlife Trusts cover the whole of the UK, including the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.
    
    With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea.
    
    More than 150,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch.
    
    We manage around 2,200 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.
    
    Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:11:11 GMTFind out more about the people who provide leadership and stewardship for London Wildlife Trust.
    
    Our Patrons
    
    Our Trustees
    
    Our Senior Management Team
    
    The Wildlife Trusts
    
    ]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:27:43 GMTA natural Future for London:
    our Strategic Plan for 2010-2015
    Through our vision for a Natural Future for London, London Wildlife Trust calls on policy makers and Londoners to help deliver its vision to make the capital a better place for wildlife and people.
    
    London is a world city, famous amongst other things for its iconic landmarks and rich cultural life. What is less well known is the amazing range of wildlife our city supports, including natural spaces and valuable habitats, as well as thousands of species, from algae and fungi, to molluscs and mammals. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:02:21 GMTResearch
    In partnership with GiGL, we conducted a pioneering study, London: Garden City?, which revealed that London’s gardens - which make up nearly a quarter of Greater London - are changing from green to grey. Garden greenspace in the capital’s gardens has been lost at a rate of two and a half Hyde Parks per year driven by recent trends in garden design. While hard surfacing – including decking and paving – increased by over 25 per cent in the 100 month study period. The London Wildlife Trust is only able to deliver on its mission to protect London’s wildlife through the generosity of our supporters – our members, grant giving trusts, local authorities, companies and charitable trusts. 93% of what we are given is spent on directly protecting London’s wildlife and green spaces: managing our 40 nature reserves, working with children and local communities and campaigning for a greener London.
    
    Income
    Donations, legacies and membership £1,083,046.00
    Charitable £1,259,197.00
    Other £653,293.00
    Total £2,995,536.00
    
    
    
    
    
    Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:56:49 GMTLondon's priority species 
    
    Find out about the rarer species that call London their home. All the species in this section are under threat and most are currently on the London Biodiversity Action Plan. 
    
    
    Other wild Londoners 
    
    Interested in finding out more about foxes and squirrels? Wondering what mak... ]]>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:03:17 GMTWe publish an array of useful information for those interested in London and it's wildlife.
    
     
    
    Some of our publications are available for you to download for free here. Do consider m... ]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:45 GMT
    
    Our annual reports not only provide a summary of the financial performance of London Wildlife Trust each year, but are also packed with great articles encompassing the huge range of work of the Trust.
    
    Download our 'Annual Accounts 2009-10' below, as well as previous year's annual reports.
    
    Annual Accounts 2009-10 
    
    Diverse City: Annual Review 2008-09
    
    Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:06:02 GMTWild London is our members’ magazine, published three times a year. Packed with news, features and stunning photography, Wild London is a treat for people interested in nature in the capital.
    
    The current issue is only available to London Wildlife Trust members, but you can browse through some of our back issues below.  
    
    Join London Wildlife Trust today to recieve Wild London magazine delivered straight to your door. For just £2.50 per month, the price of a cup of coffee or your Sunday paper – you can make a difference!
    
    Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:57:20 GMTWild London
    
    
    Wild London is our members' magazine, published three times a year.
    
    Widely respected within the conservation sector, Wild London is a popular publication focussing on environmental issues and ecology in London. The latest edition is available only to members,Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:53:11 GMTOwl Prowl 2011
    
    Staggering Gains Survey 2011
    
    Kestrel Count 2011
    
    High Speed Two
    
    Garden for a Living London
    
    Climate Change
    
    London Wildlife Trust manages over forty nature reserve sites across the capital that are exemplars of urban conservation land management and which engage the local communities that use the sites.
    
    The Trust delivers projects focusing on protecting priority habitats and species in London and works to influence policy makers.
    
    The Trust engages London’s diverse communities through access to our nature reserves, volunteering programmes and education and outreach work.
    
    Campaigns
    
    London Conservation Services (LCS) is the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of London Wildlife Trust.
    
    LCS operates as a professional ecological consultancy/landscape design and build contractor, delivering a variety of contracts for clients, such as local authorities, public utilities, social landlords, etc, in the Greater London area.
    
    The company benefits from London Wildlife Trust’s 30 year expertise of managing, creating and sustaining wildlife-friendly habitat, on its 40+ reserves. All funds generated by LCS’s trading activities are covenanted back to the Wildlife Trust to further its charitable conservation work.
    
    The services provided by LCS include:
    • Initial ecological site appraisal/risk assessment (prospective development advice)
    • Baseline ecological assessment reports
    • Ecological impact assessments
    • Species speci... ]]>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:02:30 GMTNeed to update with new case study or remove for now
    
    Wildlife Garden in a Skip
    London Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Garden in a Skip was conceived as a part of a campaign by the Trust to raise 
    awareness that a huge area of London’s gardens – so valuable to people and wildlife – is fast disappearing. Together with The Royal Parks, the Trust also wanted to show people how to garden sustainably for wildlife.
    
    The garden received a huge amount of national press coverage appearing at a number of London events during June & July 2007 including: BBC Springwatch event in Newham, the Camden Green Fair, the Lambeth Country Show and RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where it received a Bronze Medal award in the small gardens category.
    
    <... ]]>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:24:39 GMTIts distribution has contracted in the last 40 years, although it is still locally common in a number of 'hotspots' such as the New Forest, the Thames Valley, around north-east Essex and London. It is believed that the destruction of its key habitat - dead wood - through the 'tidying-up' of woodlands and parks is the prime reason for its decline, although in urban areas the impacts of traffic, feet, cats and other predators will also be significant.

    Where are London's stag beetles?

    The stag beetle has recently been recorded from most London boroughs, but it appears to be significantly more common in the south and west of London, in areas such as Lewisham, Beckenham, Dulwich, Wandsworth, and Richmond. Rarely found in central London, through lack of appropri... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:53:37 GMTWe have identified a number of important locations where water voles still thrive. In Greater London water vole distribution is sparse with some concentration towards the Thames Estuary. The most significant populations can be found in dykes in the marshes at Rainham and Crayford to the east of London. Other healthy populations live on rivers such as the Ingrebourne, Beam, Crane, Colne, Frays and waterways in the Lea Valley.

    Water voles have legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the project is working with landowners, developers and relevant authorities throughout London to protect water-side habitat where water voles are living. Accidental destruction of colonies can happen if pest control fails... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:53:37 GMTOur gardener Elaine and a team of dedicated volunteers have been working round the clock to create something stunning for the show. The build begins!

    Three days to go...

    Like a huge halo

    Exploring the undergrowth

    Secret pond

    The garden boundary

    Up the garden path

    Six days to go...

    Almost a garden...

    Installing the copper hoops

    ***

    Seven days to go...

    The Life Cycle Garden is starting to take shape!

    Installing the table

    Installing the living bench

    Trying the bench out for size

    From small beginnings... digging our plot at Hampton Court Palace

    Construction concentration

    The shed arrives and goes up

    Our lovely conservation officer Chantal

    ***

    2 weeks to go... the l... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:52:53 GMT"A fun garden with an important message and innovative ideas"

    Meet Ruth Holmes from The Royal Parks, the lovely lady who's designed London Wildlife Trust's Future Garden.

    "It was great to be invited to work with London Wildlife Trust again after the success of the Garden in a Skip (link) project last year. The Royal Parks supports London Wildlife Trust's gardening campaign (link to Garden for a Living London) and encouraging people into horticulture. The brief was really interesting as how climate change will impact on wildlife is very much on the agenda. The Trust were very clear that they are looking towards the future, and want to encourage positive action by Londoners to promote biodiversity.

    Stron... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:52:41 GMTTravel ahead in time with London Wildlife Trust and find out what gardens might be like in the future.

    In 2008 London Wildlife Trust built the Future Garden – a garden that explores how gardeners can adapt to our changing climate and maximise sustainability. The garden also highlights which species might be common in the future. The Future Garden was on show at this year's Hampton Court Flower Show.

    London Wildlife Trust's Future Garden combines sustainable wildlife friendly planting with a 1950s aesthetic, using clean lines, shiny surfaces, primary colours and geometric shapes that mirror nature – things like honeycombs, beetles and butterflies.

    Exploring which species might be common in the gardens of the future, household rubbish becomes beautiful sculptures made from recycled materials. Other innovative features include a habitat wall, bottle top gravel, flood and drought areas, plus a striking bike wheel... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:53:38 GMTGive us your own take on the Cockney Sparrow Project. What do you hope it will achieve?

    We're hoping to make the most of the enthusiasm and interest shown by Peabody residents and tenants over these first few months in several ways. Firstly, engaging people (of all ages and from all walks of life) with wildlife, and especially birds, both on and off the estates – first and foremost, it's about giving people the opportunity to enjoy birds and wildlife on their doorsteps.

    Secondly, we hope to make a really positive impact on the estates themselves – i.e., making them more wildlife-friendly in a variety of ways: planting mini-wildflower meadows and native shrubs, making and putting up bird and bat boxes, creating bird-feeding stations, and lots more. We'll be doing what we can for sparrows of course, and we may even encourage them back....

    What do you enjoy most about your ... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:52:07 GMTA short documentary has been launched, showcasing the successes of London's Cockney Sparrow project, with an aim to inspire many more such initiatives across the capital. The film, made by Teilo Vellacott, demonstrates the ways in which social landlords and organisations like London Wildlife Trust can work together to engage residents to improve their neighbourhoods for wildlife. 
    
    

    Vimeo Video http://www.vimeo.com/25667131

    
    
    Cockney Sparrow aimed to put the sparrow and other birds back into the heart of London by engaging residents of Peabody's estates in the nature of their neighbourhood. The project, launched in 2009 ... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:02:35 GMTTue, 15 May 2012 14:29:04 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust is the only charity dedicated solely to protecting the capital's wildlife and wild spaces. Our conservation work includes projects to protect priority species, like the stag beetle and water vole, and projects to preserve and enhance London’s precious habitats, for example our river restoration work in the Crane Valley. The Trust engages London’s diverse communities through access to our nature reserves, volunteering programmes and education and outreach work.
    
    2012 Olympics <... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:54:22 GMTLondon may be one of the biggest cities in the world and something of an urban jungle, but it is also home to a dazzling range wildlife, including many protected species and habitats. London Wildlife Trust is working to preserve and protect the habitats and species found on the London Biodiversity Action Plan. You can find out more about wildlife found across Greater London here.
    
    

    • Nature Notes
    • London's Natural History
      

    ]]>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:44:41 GMTDo you know someone who is wild about wildlife? Someone who loves London's green spaces and wants to protect them?
    
    A gift membership of London Wildlife Trust makes a unique present for any Londoner, or anyone who loves this amazing city.
    
    

    
    From just £31, you can buy a friend, or loved one, gift membership of London Wildlife Trust
    

    
    Your friend or loved one will receive a full year's membership, with all the fantastic benefits that being a member of London Wildlife Trust brings. Including regular event information, discounts on some fantastic talks run at our reserves and be kept up to date with the latest wildlife news. As well as the fantastic member-only publications three times a year.  
    
    T... ]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:39:05 GMTEmployee volunteering with London Wildlife Trust is a fantastic way to contribute to London’s wildlife and local communities.
    
    London Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, as well as being valuable habitats and wildlife sanctuaries, are also essential resources for local people and communities. Reserves act as education centres for London school children, sites for volunteers to learn new skills and areas of relaxation for local residents. 

    
    A team day with us can be part of an ongoing partnership with the Trust, or as a one-off event, but the benefits are most definitely mutual:
    
    ... ]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:41:21 GMT

    Corporate membership is the best way your company can demonstrate its commitment to enhancing biodiversity and securing a low-carbon future for the capital. London Wildlife Trust offers three tiers of membership named after species of bird commonly found in London. Each package is designed to suit your company's specific needs:
    
    Peregrine Membership £5,000
    Tawny Owl Membership £2,000
    Robin Membership £500
    
    Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:22:12 GMTA 2009 a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed that 27% of CEOs globally are concerned about the impact of biodiversity loss on their business growth prospects.
    
    Wildlife and green space across the UK are under pressure from climate change and urban development, but face particular challenges in London. With an official population of 7.8 million, a growing demand for open space to develop and the prospect of drought looming, the need to protect the capital's important species and habitats is intense.
    
    
    Why we work with businesses
    
    No sector operating alone can tackle these issues.
    
    We believe that by working in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector, we can develop simple and effective solutions to conserve London's natural environment for people and for wildlife. We will build strong partnerships with businesses that have demonst... ]]>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:04:15 GMTWildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids. If you care about nature and the environment and want to explore your local wildlife – this is the club for YOU!
    
    
    There are 150,000 Wildlife Watch members around the UK (and the Isle of Man and Alderney too) and hundreds of local groups where young people get stuck into environmental activities. Taking part in Wildlife Watch is an exciting way to explore your surroundings and get closer to the wildlife you share it with.
    
    
         Keep up to date with what's going on at Barking Riverside by following the project blog. Wildlife sightings, photos, events and activities will all be posted here.
    
    If you want to add your photos or comments to the blog, please contact Barking Riverside's Conservation Ranger, Francesca Barker on fbarker@wildlondon.org.uk
    
    http://barkingriversideconservation.blogspot.com ]]>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:58:34 GMTBarking Riverside's Conservation Volunteer Group will meet every Wednesday and the 3rd Saturday of every month. Volunteers will be involved with the habitat management at Barking Riverside and will get the opportunity to create and restore other important wildlife areas. During the summer months, volunteers will learn how to survey for wildlife, such as water voles, butterflies and reptiles.
    
    Volunteers will need to bring lunch and water, as well as suitable footwear and clothing for working outside. All tools, tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. No previous experience is necessary, as we will offer full instruction, just bring along a willingness to get stuck in.
    
    If you would like to join the volunteer group please contact Francesca Barker, fbarker@wildlondon.org.uk in advance. Please feel free to download and displa... ]]>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:24:31 GMTDesigns
    The planning document "Barking Riverside: Landscape and biodiversity STRATEGIC APPENDIX D" provides an overview of the proposed landscape and biodiversity strategies associated park landscape for the Barking Riverside development as a whole. To see the "future map" of Barking Riverside click here.
    
    Green Roofs
    Barking Riverside Ltd are aiming to install green roofs on 50% of the new buildings on site. Green roofs at Barking Riverside have the opportunity to provide biodiverse habitats on an otherwise sterile roof. The green roofs will form part of the Barking Riverside Green Infrastructure along with the parks, natural spaces and street trees.
    
    BRL are also involved in a green roof experiment at the Barking Riverside office. The University of East London are leading the project, conduc... ]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:12:54 GMT
    

    Photo Group One
    Avcot, Bee on Seed head & Black tailed godwit 

    Read more

    
    
     Avcot (c) Dave Morrison
    Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:28:59 GMTBiggest bee house in the world at Barking Riverside
    The world's largest bee house in the world at Barking Riverside was opened for bee business on Saturday 18th June.Local volunteers and residents helped London Wildlife Trust and Make:Good to build the house out of wood and bamboo.
    
    Alison Benjamin, co-author of "A World Without Bees", adjudicated this world record attempt and confirmed that the Barking Riverside's bee house is 16.56m2, (13.04m by 1.27m), exceeding that built by the current record holder, Kent Wildlife Trust, by nearly 5m2.
    
    Volunteers took up the task of building the bee house three weeks before the big event, contributing over 750 hours of work involving the cutting over 20,000 pieces of bamboo, sawing over 200 logs, drilling numerous holes and building the housing structure. The bee house, sponsored by Barking Riverside Ltd and the Big Lottery Fu... ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:07:33 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust's conservation work at Barking Riverside, seeks to identify opportunities to:
    

    • Reduce fragmented habitats and species
    • Maintain and increase biodiversity at Barking Riverside
    • Manage the habitats to a high quality to support more species
    • Increase the amount of land managed with nature conservation interest
    • Increase community involvement in nature conservation either through volunteering or gardening for wildlife

    London Wildlife Trust are developing the following three projects at present to help achieve some of these objectives.
    
    Backyard Bee!
    Barking Riverside homes a good diversity of bees and wasps including the brown-banded carder bee which is a rare bumblebee and a priority species. The brown-banded carder bee requires large areas of fairly tall, open f... ]]>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:07:23 GMTSpecies
    Barking Riverside Ltd have commissioned various ecological surveys over the past 10 years and together with other biological data we now have a comprehensive understanding of the ecology on site. Key species of the flora, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals at Barking Riverside have been listed. Barking Riverside Ltd aims, as much as possible, to maintain these key species during and post construction and to improve the overall biodiversity on site.
    
    Habitats
    Brownfield
    
    The habitats within the site are varied, with the majority being post-industrial (brownfield) in origin. Ruderal weed communities of recently disturbed ground and longer established grasslands dominate the majority of the site with scattered s... ]]>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:51:41 GMTThu, 28 Jul 2011 15:14:07 GMTThe Greenway Project has transformed sections of east London's Greenway into a safe, clean park which is attractive to people and wildlife.
    
    Education
    We are also looking for volunteers to help with school trips along the Greenway and in our new classroom, the View Tube, overlooking the 2012 Olympic Park. Activities include preparing resources (laminating, cutting and drawing), shadowing the Education Officer on walks and activities, supervising group activities such as minibeast hunting. You will need to be willing to have a CRB check undertaken and a general helpful and responsible attitude. You would mainly need to be available on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays in Stratford during term-time. Contact... ]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:15:29 GMTThe London Wildlife Trust, with support from the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, is running a programme of Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum linked outdoor education sessions on the Greenway, all linked with the 2012 Olympic games, with the brand new View Tube as our base and the magnificent Olympic Park as our backdrop.
    The classroom has space for 30 students and accompanying staff. Situated on the first floor of a specially constructed centre looking directly into the Olympic Park, it has a panoramic view of the Stadium and the Aquatic ... ]]>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:35:08 GMTRunning from Wick Lane in Tower Hamlets to Beckton, the Greenway is a traffic free route that passes by historical buildings and along peaceful waterways. The Greenway is an utterly unique stretch of east London that is a haven for wildlife.
    
    The Greenway is an easy to find pathway with huge potential for wildlife, particularly birds and insects. There are a few diversions due to building work on the Olympic Park, but it is still the best and free view of the new Olympic Park for London 2012. The nearest station to the start at Wick Lane is Pudding Mill Lane station where the Greenway is signposted from.
    
    Where?
    The yellow line shows the Greenway, stretching from Wick Lane to the Thames.
    Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:13:37 GMTGreen Schools for the Greenway
    
    London Wildlife Trust, with support from the UPS Global Grants Programme, is running a programme of Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum linked outdoor education sessions on the Greenway, all linked to the 2012 Olympic Games, with the View Tube as our base and the magnificent Olympic Park as our backdrop.
    
    The classroom has space for 30 students and accompanying staff. Situated on the first floor of a specially constructed centre looking directly into the Olympic Park, it has a pa... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:41:37 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust is the only charity dedicated solely to protecting the capital's wildlife and wild spaces, engaging London's diverse communities through access to our nature reserves, campaigning, volunteering and Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:51:08 GMT London Wildlife Trust carried out a city-wide survey in 2011, thanks to funding from the BBC Wildlife Fund, to record sightings of the globally threatened stag beetle. We asked Londoners to let us know if they saw one of these magnificent beetles to help us understand more about their distribution across London and to improve current conservation methods. We also wanted to know about lesser stag beetle sightings across London.
    
    There's lots you can do to help stag beetles, especially if you have access to a garden. Download the stag beetle advice note for guidance on how to build a stag ... ]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:38:59 GMTTraditionally we pay respect to our departed loved ones through a gift of flowers. But cut flowers are short-lived. A donation to London Wildlife Trust, in lieu of flowers, can mean a more lasting floral tribute – a woodland full of bluebells, or fragrant flowers in a summer meadow.
    
    It is a lasting gift that can bloom year after year, a gift of hope for the future. A way of helping future generations enjoy the wonders of wildlife around us. In the future, you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of one of our nature reserves whilst you quietly reflect, and we hope that the thought of a gift which lives on will provide comfort in difficult times.
    
    If you would like to remember a loved one in this way, donations should be sent to:
    
    In Memoriam
    London Wildlife Trust
    Skyline House
    200 Union Street
    London
    SE1 0LX.
    
    If you wish to put a... ]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:13:25 GMTRemember us in your will

    Making a will is vital if you care about the future of your loved ones, and as your circumstances change over the years so should your will.

    

    When you change your will, and once you've remembered those you love, why not think of London's wildlife by leaving a gift. Legacies, whether big or small, help to ensure that our vital work continues so that future generations can enjoy the natural heritage of our beautiful city.

    Legacies have already helped us:

    • provide protection for endangered speciesTue, 08 May 2012 11:12:08 GMT
      Kestrels live across London but where and how many do we have?
      
      Take part in our Kestrel Count 2011-2012!
      
      
      Nationally kestrels have undergone an overall decline over the long term but population trends have seen fluctuations over this
      

       period, showing an increase in numbers some years – is this happening in London? We need Londoners to get kestrel counting and tell us where they've seen these magnificent birds of prey in o... ]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:14:57 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust has over 40 nature reserves across Greater London, which our conservation teams and volunteers work hard to protect and preserve for wildlife and people. Why not pay one of our sites a visit?

      
      

      ]]>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:39:56 GMTThere are over three million gardens in Greater London – 3,267,174 to be precise. That's an area of 37,942.09 hectares*.

      In the face of climate change and habitat fragmentation, this massive expanse of green space has enormous untapped potential for both people and wildlife.

      London Wildlife Trust's Garden for a Living London campaign is calling on city gardeners to pledge to transform the capital's three million gardens into a network of mini nature reserves. Pledge online now!

      And join our Facebook group

      Three million mini nature reserves

      London Wildlife Trust's Garden for a Living London campaign aims to highlight the incredible importance of the capital's gardens to wildlife and to people. In urban areas especially, gardens will help reduce the impacts of climate change.

      Th... ]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:52:46 GMTLiving Landscapes: time to think big
      "To adapt to climate change, the UK's wildlife will need to move along climate corridors up and down the country, or to shadier slopes or cooler valleys. Wildlife has done it all before, after the last ice age, but this time the change is faster and there are unexpected obstacles: cities, motorways and expanses of hostile countryside.
      
      If we don't give our wildlife enough room to manoeuvre, a collapse in biodiversity is inevitable. For decades we have been slowing the decline in biodiversity by protecting small oases of wildlife as an emergency measure. Now, in the face of climate change, it is essential that we link these oases and restore our ecosystems and natural processes at a speed and on a scale that we would once have felt was impossible.
      
      Different parts of the UK will need to take different approaches, depending not... ]]>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:21:33 GMTLondon Wildlife Trust runs amazing projects for people and wildilfe right across the capital.
      
      Find out more.
      
      Current Projects
      
      Previous Projects  ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:54:22 GMTThames Water’s four month consultation on the proposed Thames Tunnel ends today. London Wildlife Trust supports the need for the Tunnel but warns the design and construction process must leave a legacy of ecological gain not only in water quality but also on the Thames foreshore and in any disturbed green space.
      
      Carlo Laurenzi, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust, says ‘The Thames Tunnel is an important project for the long term health of the River Thames. At the moment untreated sewage overflows into the Thames regularly, as the Victorian sewerage system cannot cope with London’s current population. A less polluted river would ... ]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:35:40 GMT