The new London Nature Trails will take you on a journey through fantastic wildlife spots that you can explore for free, simply by walking.
The four routes connect natural spaces in some of the city’s most built up areas, and cover Burnt Oak to Wembley in north London, Bermondsey to Brockley in the south, Wanstead to Royal Docks in the east and Swiss Cottage to King’s Cross centrally.
Whether you are tight for time, or have half a day to spare, spending time outdoors is great for our health and wellbeing. Plus it's something fun to do with family, friends or on your own.
Discover urban wildlife using our spotter guide, uncover fascinating local stories, and follow the routes via the Footways Website or Go Jauntly app.
Plus, over the Bank Holiday weekend of 27-29 August, there will be free, family-friendly activities along the walking routes.
About the routes
East London: Wanstead to Royal Docks
Enjoy the rich variety of landscapes, history and wildlife on this trail. You may spot cormorants and herons on the Thames, goldfinches and pied wagtails in the Olympic Park, seagulls at the Royal Docks, dragonflies at Bow Creek Ecology Park and, if you’re lucky, skylarks on Wanstead Flats. There are lots of interesting features to uncover, which bring London’s trading and industrial history to life.
North London: Burnt Oak to Wembley
The highlight of this walk is Welsh Harp Open Space: 170 hectares of open water, marshes, woodland and grasslands. There are stunning views and is a great place for bird spotting with one of the country’s largest colonies of great crested grebes. The route also links local parks and follows the River Brent - one of London's longest rivers. The route finishes at Wembley Park, with plenty of places to eat and drink, a large new park to relax in, and the world-famous Wembley stadium.
Central London: Swiss Cottage to King’s Cross
This route begins at the famous brutalist Alexandra Road Estate, passes through the Regent’s Canal where you may spot dragonflies, fish and breeding waterfowl, and features breath-taking views of the city at Primrose Hill. Pause to explore the Camley Street Natural Park, an oasis of wildlife in the heart of London.
South London: Bermondsey to Brockley
An amazing, varied walk in the footsteps of Samuel Pepys and the Russian Emperor, Peter the Great. Start at ancient Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, wander from hills to tidal creeks, take in community gardens, parks and docks and end near the large Victorian houses of Brockley. Habitats range from woodland, grassland, wetland and tidal mudflats. Look out for fish (more than 115 species in the Thames), wildflowers (over 300 species in Deptford Creek), bees, hoverflies, butterflies, beetles and a huge range of birds. You might even see a kingfisher.
Welsh Harp - Pond Dipping and Nature Quiz
See how many newt tadpoles you can catch during our Pond Dipping experience and use the map to find the clues in our exciting Nature Quiz Trail around the woods.
When: Saturday and Sunday 27-28 August 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00
Silkstream Park - Seed Planting and Guided Walks
Come and join the Friends of the Silkstream and take part in free nature activities, including seed planting, and guided walks starting at 11am and 1.30pm.
When: Saturday 27 August 11:00-13:30
Primrose Hill - Nature Activities and Bug Hunts
Discover the wonderful wildlife found in London's Royal Parks, play nature-themed games and learn fun facts about your favourite creatures. Take a close look at our nature specimens and meet some of our park's tiniest residents. All while learning what we can do to help nature thrive!
When: Saturday 27 August 11:00-13:00
Camley Street Nature Park - Pond Dipping and Nature Hunt
Join us at Camley Street Natural Park for a drop-in family session to discover some of the animals living here. Use nets to look in the pond, hunt for mini-beasts under logs, and explore the reserve. Find us by the pond.
When: Sunday 28 August 13:00-16:00
Luxmore Gardens - Free Sculpture Workshop
Calling children of any age to come and create in Luxmore Gardens with artist Laura X Carlé. Use cardboard, tape and other found materials to imagine and build different sculptures. Let your imagination run free!
When: Saturday 27 August 14:00-17:00
Deptford Creekside Centre - Pond Dipping and Bug Hunting
Drop in to experience an abundance of wildlife at the Creekside Discovery Centre! Join us for pond dipping, bug hunting and will you win at wildflower bingo?
When: Saturday 27 August 13:00-16:00, Monday 29 August 10:00-16:00
Stave Hill Ecology Park / Russia Dock Woodland - Activity Sheets
We'll be running fun activities such as woodland games, mini crafting and bingo. Grab an activity sheet from the shed gates in the woodland.
When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday 27-29 August, all day
The Line - Wildlife Activity Packs
Come and meet our Youth Guides who will be sharing free activity packs to illustrate the plants and wildlife on The Line.
When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday 27-29 August 12:00-16:00
Bow Creek Ecology Park - Nature Hunt
Discover the urban wildlife living in our wildflower meadows and ponds. Staff will help you investigate invertebrates with magnipots, nets and ID sheets.
When: Saturday 27 August 10:30-12:30
Cody Dock - Make Your Own Seed Ball
Make your own wildflower seed ball or gift card that can be planted to help green our neighbourhoods! The flowers will create new homes for nature, including bees and butterflies. We will use a variety of native and collected seeds and use natural materials to create the card designs.
When: Saturday 27 August 11:00-13:00
The Up Garden - Build a Bug Hotel
Discover urban nature through a variety of activities such as building bug hotels and dens, scavenger hunts and making friendship bracelets.
When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday 27-29 August 10:00-11:30
Hackney Wick Greening - Make A Sun Print
Come and visit our Herb Garden which features a variety of plants for cooking and medicine. Make a sun-print to take home at our free, drop in workshop. There will be free refreshments - please bring a cup/mug!
When: Saturday 27 August 14:30-17:00
R-Urban Poplar - Seed Bombs and Seed Harvest
Learn how to harvest and store seeds from this year's crops and flowers for amazing growth in 2023. Join us making seed bombs with wild flowers - perfect for bees and butterflies!
When: Saturday 27 August 10:00-13:00
Long Wall Ecology Garden - Drawing Workshop
Join local illustrator, Lydia Thornley, for a drawing session. We’ll chat and sketch at the garden, guided by Lydia to take a closer look at this place that so many species call home.
When: Saturday 27 August 11:00-13:00
Greener Together - Planting Workshop
Join our planting and growing workshop, run with Social Farms and Gardens. You'll be able to plant something and enjoy some light refreshments. Resident volunteers will be on hand to show you our newly-transformed green spaces.
When: Saturday 27 August 11:00-15:00
Forest Gate Community Garden - Activities for All Ages
We will be hosting children's activities on Saturday and Monday from 12:30. For adults, help make a Mosaic Mural on Sunday or Terrific Terrariums on Monday, both at 11:30. There’s also a further Art in the Garden workshop on Monday at 12:30.
When: Saturday 27 August 10:00-15:00, Sunday 28 August 10:00-15:00, Monday 29 August 10:00-15:00
Royal Docks - Summer Events Programme
Visit the Royal Docks and enjoy a variety of events including our Summer Programme which takes place throughout August and September. The programme includes various art installations, music and family events.