England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Greater London

Explore these places for wildlife in Greater London. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

This guide also serves searches for City of London, with wildlife sites across Greater London.

01 / 05

London Wetland Centre

Near Barnes, south-west London.

Habitat: Lakes, reedbeds, grazing marsh and ponds created on former reservoirs.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, bittern (winter), shoveler (especially autumn and winter), sand martin (spring and summer) and common tern (spring and summer).

02 / 05

Near Walthamstow, north-east London.

Habitat: Working reservoirs with islands, scrub-lined banks and patches of reedbed.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, peregrine falcon, great crested grebe, cormorant and goldeneye (winter).

03 / 05

Near Stoke Newington, north London.

Habitat: A reservoir edged by reedbeds, grassland, hedgerows and small waterways.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, great crested grebe, water rail, Cetti’s warbler and reed warbler (spring and summer).

04 / 05

Near King’s Cross, central London.

Habitat: Small areas of woodland, meadow, ponds and reedbed beside Regent’s Canal.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, sparrowhawk, long-tailed tit, reed warbler (spring and summer) and emperor dragonfly (summer).

05 / 05

Near Dulwich, south London.

Habitat: Ancient woodland and younger woods growing around former gardens and an old railway cutting.
Wildlife to look for: Tawny owl, nuthatch, green woodpecker, stag beetle (late spring and summer) and speckled wood butterfly (spring to autumn).