Posted by Tim Davies on January 18, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I've just moved into London, and have decided to challenge myself by building a portfolio of 'urban wildlife'. Urban foxes, peregrins on towerblocks, wildflowers in abandonded brownfield sites... (and hopefully some rather more original subjects). I know London fairly well, and my job takes me all over the capital during the week, but I'd love some extra local knowledge, if anyone is willing to share...
So can anyone suggest some wild urban spaces in and around London? Not just the obvious parks and reserves - I'm searching for more bohemian places like old boat yards, rubbish dumps and decaying warehouses.
The Gunnersbury Triangle... in fact all round the rail network, there are so many little areas full of wildlife that it could occupy a lifetime, would do it myself but I spend nearly all my time trying to get out of London, travel around a little on the tube system that is mainly above ground ( makes sense doesn't it?) and you will see loads, Cemetaries are always a good bet during the lighter months... (closing times), Of course there is always the wildlife garden at the NHM...
Foxes are very common in the (not too politically correct here) in the rather posh private communal gardens located in most of the residential squares in areas like south Kensington and Chelsea, always possible to get on the good side of a caretaker... I believe Elliot did a large project on Urban Foxes which was based somewhere in London...
HTH
Phil
Posted by Elliott Neep on January 19, 2008 at 8:19 AM
I did. I only haven't mentioned it because it is restricted access and not available to the public. Sorry! I often traipse around the Royal Parks and over towards London Bridge, scouring the Thames. There are lots of piers and inlets around Wapping and Canary Wharf worth looking at.
Posted by Dave Courtenay on January 19, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I believe Iain Green did a book on Urban wildlife in London-Might be worth a look
Dave
Posted by Tim Davies on January 22, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Discussion
4 repliesI've just moved into London, and have decided to challenge myself by building a portfolio of 'urban wildlife'. Urban foxes, peregrins on towerblocks, wildflowers in abandonded brownfield sites... (and hopefully some rather more original subjects). I know London fairly well, and my job takes me all over the capital during the week, but I'd love some extra local knowledge, if anyone is willing to share...
So can anyone suggest some wild urban spaces in and around London? Not just the obvious parks and reserves - I'm searching for more bohemian places like old boat yards, rubbish dumps and decaying warehouses.
Cheers, Tim
The Gunnersbury Triangle... in fact all round the rail network, there are so many little areas full of wildlife that it could occupy a lifetime, would do it myself but I spend nearly all my time trying to get out of London, travel around a little on the tube system that is mainly above ground ( makes sense doesn't it?) and you will see loads, Cemetaries are always a good bet during the lighter months... (closing times), Of course there is always the wildlife garden at the NHM...
Foxes are very common in the (not too politically correct here) in the rather posh private communal gardens located in most of the residential squares in areas like south Kensington and Chelsea, always possible to get on the good side of a caretaker... I believe Elliot did a large project on Urban Foxes which was based somewhere in London...
HTH
Phil
Dave
Tim