Fears for our wildlife: How you can help
London’s nature is in trouble. In London the biggest threat is the result of a loss of wild habitat and meadows.
State of Nature: the species under threat
Nearly 2, 000 native species are under threat, according to the State of Nature "stock take."
On the move: tigers head to Kent from London Zoo
A couple of tigers who've lived at London Zoo since 1997 are moving home to make way for new arrivals.
Live updates
Worrying decline of insects in London
The shocking research claims that three fifths of UK species are in decline and one in 10 are at risk of disappearing altogether. But there are a staggering 1500 wildlife sites in London, working hard to reverse that trend.
Martin Stew has more.
Fears for our wildlife: How you can help
London’s nature is in trouble. In London the biggest threat is the result of a loss of wild habitat and meadows.
Read the full storyAdvertisement
Sir David Attenborough on report's "stark warning"
The report is being launched by Sir David Attenborough, who said: "This ground-breaking report is a stark warning - but it is also a sign of hope.
"For 60 years I have travelled the world exploring the wonders of nature and sharing that wonder with the public. But as a boy my first inspiration came from discovering the UK's own wildlife.
"Our islands have a rich diversity of habitats which support some truly amazing plants and animals.
"We should all be proud of the beauty we find on our own doorstep; from bluebells carpeting woodland floors and delicately patterned fritillary butterflies, to the graceful basking shark and the majestic golden eagle soaring over the Scottish mountains.
"This report shows that our species are in trouble, with many declining at a worrying rate."
State of Nature: the species under threat
Nearly 2, 000 native species are under threat, according to the State of Nature "stock take."
Read the full storyWarnings after animal stock-take
In the first study of it's kind, researchers are warning London's wildlife is under major threat. The wide-ranging study by a coalition of conservation and research groups blames the decline of heathland, woodland, and gardens in the capital for the threat to our native species.
The stock-take reveals 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades.
London's woodland under threat
London's wildlife is in trouble, according to a wide-ranging study published today by a coalition of conservation and research groups. London's heathland and woodland are under threat as are the capital's gardens and other informal spaces.
Scientists working side-by-side from 25 wildlife organisations have compiled a stock take of our native species; the first of its kind in the UK. The State of Nature report reveals that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades.
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Wasteland to become wildlife havens
London's unloved land could be transformed into havens for bees and other insects under plans revealed by the Co-operative.
The Co-operative will team up with wildlife charity, Plantlife, to transform several areas of London wasteland into wildflower plots, to help boost the ailing bee population.
People are being asked to nominate small plots of land and two or three areas will be shortlisted in each of seven regions.
Name that pelican!
One of the pelicans has already been named Tiffany, but the public is being invited to name the other new female.
Options include:
- Bela – a Czech name derived from the Slavic word for ‘white’
- Bety – suggested by Prague Zoo, a Czech version of Elizabeth
- Karola – a Czech name derived from Charles, the King who was gifted the first pelicans
- Isla – the name of the daughter of Malcolm, the wildlife officer who has cared for the pelicans in the park for over 35 years.
- Pearl – a classic ‘London’ name, and also a precious stone with royal connections
- Queenie – also a classic London name, it’s also a nod to the pellies’ neighbour at the Palace
You can vote for your favourite - and see which name is in the lead - on the Royal Parks Foundation website.
Pelicans continue 350 year tradition
Pelicans have been living in St James's Park for nearly 350 years. They were first introduced in 1664, as a gift to King Charles II from the Russian Ambassador.
The existing pelicans are gregarious creatures and can often be seen climbing out of the lake to sit on benches alongside visitors.
One rather mischievous bird used to fly over to London Zoo in Regent's Park to steal their fish for his lunch.
Pelicans settle in at St James's Park
Three young pelicans have taken their first swim in public in St James's Park.
The trio of great white pelicans have officially moved to the lake near Buckingham Palace.
A gift from the city of Prague, they traveled 800 miles to their new London home and spent two months in a special enclosure as they acclimatised to their new surroundings.
The birds join another three pelicans (which are all over 20 years old) already living on the lake.
