A new 'nature corridor' will connect wildlife across East London.
While there's no shortage of beautiful greenery and nature to be found in London, it's no surprise to hear that some neighbourhoods are a little more nature-deprived than others. Yes, we have parks, canals, and sprawling gardens, but a lot of those green spaces, especially in East London, exist as isolated patches, cut off by busy roads or big buildings.
As it turns out, that's a really big problem for pollinators, insects, and urban wildlife, who need to be able to move around a city to survive.
Wild Cities wants to change that by creating a 14-mile nature corridor that would connect everything from community gardens to rooftops, sports fields, and even small backyard streets—creating what ecologists call a "stepping stone" corridor, where green patches are no more than 300 metres apart, giving our friendly pollinators easier access.
Everything You Need To Know About London's Newest Wildlife Network
What Is the Wild Cities Nature Corridor?
A 14-mile connected wildlife network running through East London, from Lee Valley Regional Park south to the Thames. It's designed to patch the distance between green spaces so that pollinators and urban wildlife can move through the city, rather than being trapped in isolated spaces.
In addition, these green spaces aim to cool neighbourhoods by up to 7°C, which is much welcomed once the summer's heat is in full effect.
Which Boroughs Does The Nature Corridor Cover?
The initiative will spread through Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Haringey, and Newham in some of the neighbourhoods that are most in need of an extra dose of nature.
What Kinds Of Green Spaces Are Included?
Community gardens, rooftops, canal banks, parks, sports fields, and residential streets will all be included in this project. The model works by making sure green patches are closer so pollinators can easily spread from place to place.
Can I Get Involved?
Yes, Wild Cities is actively looking for people who live, work, study, or garden anywhere along the 14-mile route. You can register your interest through their website.
Can't get enough of London's beautiful nature? Take a look at our list of prettiest walks in the city.
