London is home to diverse habitats and a wealth of animal and plant species. 60% of the city is covered with green, blue and open spaces, with over 1500 flowering plants and over 300 species of bird. London has 390 hectares of grassland, 80 hectares of heathland and 4.5% of its land area is covered by woods or trees. We have over 1,300 sites of importance to nature conservation.
See the capital in new ways by getting to know the wildlife on our doorstep. Our walks and events will help you get close to our natural neighbours, whether learning to identify birds by their calls, understanding the habits and behaviour of animals through their tracks and signs or making a flower press to preserve summer blooms!
Vital Statistics: London’s Wildlife
- 8.3 million trees
- 13,000 species of wildlife
- 1,500 flowering plants
- 300 species of bird
- 142 nature reserves
- 4.5% woodland
- 3,000 parks
- 47% green space
Stage beetle in Tooting Common
Cormorants in South Norwood Country Park
Heron in flight, Wandsworth Common
Happy Valley with chalk grasslands and woods, Site of Special Scientific Interest, London Borough of Croydon