Nature is always there to support us.
Let's make sure we return the favour.
In these challenging times you may not have been be able to visit your favourite nature reserve or travel far from home, but we'd like to help bring a little more nature into your life for your health, happiness - and for wildlife and the planet.
An increasing amount of us have turned to nature for solace, as wildlife carries on around us. Birds are continuing to serenade each other, trees are bursting full of life and mammals are busy in the midst of summer.
We've created a variety of wildlife-themed activities to help you to support wildlife and get your daily dose of nature during these difficult times, whether you have access to a green space or not, there's something for everyone.
Indoor activities
Outdoor activities
Craft activities
Wild London TV
Please feel free to share your wildlife encounters with us, we love seeing them.
Even in the most densely populated city in the UK there is still wildlife to be found in every corner. If you don't have a garden or an outdoor space you can still learn about and support wildlife with our indoor activities below.
Plant window boxes
If you don't have a garden or outdoor space you can still attract wildlife by using window boxes.
Here's our simple guide to inviting wildlife to your windows
Bird watching
Find out what birds live near you with our urban birds spotter sheet.
You can find out more about what you see and identify any new sightings with our wildlife explorer tool.
Buy a window bird feeder
Window bird feeders are an excellent way of watching birds close up without the need for a garden.
We recommend Vine House Farm bird feed for your feeder.
Whenever you buy bird food from Vine House Farm, up to 4.5% of the value of your purchase goes to your local Wildlife Trust. Make sure you mention London Wildlife Trust when you buy!
Vine House Farm Bird Foods has been working with The Wildlife Trusts for the past 10 years, helping to protect and restore areas for nature and inspire people to experience wildlife first-hand. To date, Vine House Farm’s donations have totalled over £1,250,000, including over £14,000 for London Wildlife Trust.
To find out more about Vine House Farm and to buy food direct from their conservation award-winning farm visit the Vine House Farm website.
To find out more about the birds you spot, use our wildlife explorer tool
Tree watch
What trees can you see from your window? Have you ever noticed them before? Take the time to identify them.
You can find identify what you see with our wildlife explorer tool.
Help birds avoid window accidents
Birds can sometimes struggle to navigate our urban world. Help them out by creating a window feature.
Wildlife yoga
Make your own beeswax wraps
An eco-friendly alternative to cling film, these beeswax wraps will keep your food fresh and the planet happy.
Make your own binoculars
Make your own natural dye
Discover the wildlife living in your garden and how to support it with our wild garden activities.
Don't have a garden? See what wildlife you can spot out and about on your daily exercise walk.
You can find out more about what you find with our wildlife explorer tool.
Let us know if you have any questions about attracting wildlife to your garden on info@wildlondon.org.uk and we'll be happy to help!
Gardening for wildlife
There 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.
However, worrying research by London Wildlife Trust shows that London's gardens 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.
Help reverse this trend and attract wildlife to your garden with these tips.
Take action for insects
We are witnessing the largest extinction event on earth since the dinosaurs.
Insects are dying out up to 8 times faster than larger animals and 41% of insect species face extinction.
This is a serious cause for concern - insects pollinate a third of our food crops, and are the main food source of many birds, small mammals and fish. Their demise impacts us all as well as our wildlife.
Loss of insect habitats and overuse of pesticides are two of the major causes of this impending devastation. However, it is not too late to act.
Starting right now, you can make small changes in your home, outdoor space and community that will help these fascinating creatures.
Get your free Action for Insects guide to learn how to create an insect-friendly garden alive with wildlife.
Wildlife spotter sheets
Many butterflies and insects are in serious trouble; The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2015 report evidenced that 76% of butterfly species have declined over the last 40 years. A Wildlife Trusts 2019 report, Action for Insects, indicates that the abundance of insects in Britain may have fallen by 50% or more since 1970.
You can play a part in helping wildlife by submitting records of your garden sightings so that ecologists can keep a track of wildlife populations. Visit GiGl for more information and to download a recording spreadsheet.
Not sure which species are which?! Take a look at our wildlife spotter sheets below for guidance.
Learn more about your sightings with our wildlife explorer tool
Find out what London Wildlife Trust are doing to boost London's butterfly populations
Stag beetle survey
The stag beetle is Britain’s largest land beetle, almost 8cm in length, and is easily recognised by the male’s distinctive antler-shaped jaws. Although the male beetles look fearsome they are harmless to us. They use their massive jaws to wrestle with other males when looking for a mate.
Despite stag beetles being in steep decline across Europe, London remains a hotspot. If you do happen to see a stag beetle - perhaps you have them in your garden or you've seen one on your daily exercise walk - please help us track this globally threatened species by logging your sighting.
This will help researchers build up a clearer picture of the species and how we can conserve it.
Log your stag beetle sightings here
Other activities
Other fun activities you can do in your garden
Explore your creative side with these wildlife themed craft activities
Create a butterfly painting
Create your own ladybird
Make a leaf tile
Make a model butterfly
Make your own saltdough creatures
Learn more about the fascinating wildlife around you, hosted by London Wildlife Trust experts.
Wildlife Watch - London
London Wildlife Trust experts discuss nature topics and offer advice for how to look after wildlife.
A new video is uploaded every Friday.
Abi talks about the creepy crawlies hiding in your garden.
Great North Wood project officer Sam talks about the fascinating subterranean world of earthworms.
Did you know they have five pairs of hearts?!
Sunitha from the Brilliant Butterflies team demonstrates how to get up close to butterflies in your garden with a butterfly feeding table.
Find out more about the work we are doing to support London's butterflies here.
Nature Tots
Let your children find their wild side! Join us for Nature Tots LIVE.
Featuring storytelling and wildlife topics for little ones.Suitable for 18 month – 5 year olds
Tune in every Monday at 10.30am
Camera Trap
A great spotted woodpecker trips the camera
A fox strolls past the camera
There's a party on the birdfeeder!
Male great spotted woodpecker playing hide and seek
A healthy looking fox having a nose around
Send us your photos
We love seeing and hearing about your wildlife discoveries, especially during this difficult time. Send us your wildlife sightings and we'll share the best ones here.
Email - marketing@wildlondon.org.uk
Twitter @WildLondon
Facebook @LondonWildlifeTrust
Instagram @wild.london
Please support London's wildlife
As you may have read already, London Wildlife Trust is currently set to make significant financial losses due to the impact of coronavirus. As a charity we are reliant on donations to continue working hard for wildlife. Please give if you can.