When will white storks be reintroduced to London?

White storks are planned to be reintroduced to East London next year as part of a rewilding effort.

What is the Rewilding East London project?

It's an initiative to bring back species like white storks and beavers to urban areas in Barking and Dagenham, London.

Where in London are the white storks returning?

The white storks will be reintroduced in Barking and Dagenham, east London, specifically in Eastbrookend Country Park.

Home / Environment / White Storks Return to London After 600 Years!

White Storks Return to London After 600 Years!

8 Dec

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Summary

White storks to be reintroduced to East London next year.
Beavers will also return to Barking and Dagenham's country park.
The project aims to bring nature back to urban communities.

White Storks Return to London After 600 Years!

White storks, absent as breeding birds in Britain since 1416, are scheduled for a historic return to East London next year. This rewilding effort, supported by the mayor of London and Barking and Dagenham council, will reintroduce these birds into busy urban communities. The project also includes the return of beavers to former gravel pits in Eastbrookend Country Park.

Following successful reintroductions elsewhere, captive-bred storks will initially be housed in an aviary. Their offspring will gradually be integrated into the wild, encouraging natural breeding. This initiative, bolstered by habitat restoration along the Rom/Beam rivers, aims to revive marshlands and create richer wetland environments.

The Rewilding East London project emphasizes community engagement, with a dedicated officer to work with schools and local groups. This effort seeks to foster a connection with nature among the borough's young population, inspiring future action for wildlife conservation in urban settings.