London in the Wild: Exploring Nature in The City

by London Wildlife Trust, Chris Packham (Foreword)

You don’t have to go to the countryside to experience nature; London’s wild spaces and wildlife are much more diverse than we think

London is usually thought of as a place of cars, concrete, lights, noise and pollution, a harsh, unyielding landscape created to accommodate mankind, not wildlife. We rush through the city, focused on our destination, wrapped up in our thoughts, but if you take the time to stop and look you’ll discover that London is teeming with wildlife ready to be discovered and enjoyed. More than 15,000 species of flora, fungi and fauna have been recorded within Greater London. In 2019, for example, there were 139 seal pups born in the Thames, and Croydon  is one of the richest areas for butterflies in the UK.

London in the Wild will encourage you to explore the city – from your garden, local parks and community spaces to London’s eclectic wildlife habitats, including wetlands, woodlands and heaths. You’ll discover the secrets of the German Hairy Snail, the day-to-day life of a London tube mouse and the activities of seahorses living in the Thames. 

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a nice idea and gave me some of what I was looking for, but overall felt a bit too much style over substance - a coffee table book in the wrong format and without the glossy photos - and without sufficient overall editorial oversight. I'd've liked some maps, I'd've liked the bios of the contributors in their text rather than at the end.

[Melissa Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative read

This book is so much more than I expected. As well as highlighting places to visit, it also covers the history of wildlife in London and educates on the importance of conservation. Gave 4 instead of 5 stars, due to grammatical errors and I think the resources section could have been more detailed.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for an in-depth book on flora and fauna in London this isn’t the book for you. But for the London resident or visitor looking for a different way of looking at and exploring the city, this beautifully laid out book is a good way to start

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book full of useful information on how to enjoy nature in London.

[Rebecca Pineau · Rating 5 out of 5]

London Is Awesome

I have watched many nature documentaries about London. But had no idea this wonderful city has taken conservation even further.
Go London!

[Jo Goad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book thoroughly. As somebody who is interested in the environment but not too clued up on flora and fauna, this was a good book to start learning more about this in London. Also, I liked that it gave me so many ideas of where to visit in London.