About Wildweb
Wildweb aims to encourage people to make the most of London's wild places - exploring them online first, then getting out and experiencing them first hand.
You can use Wildweb to search for information on wildlife sites right across London. Based on the complete series of recognised Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (or ‘Local Wildlife Sites’) in London, Wildweb describes each site's special features and provides travel information, interactive maps, as well as more detailed information for those who need it. The website will be especially useful for schools, environmental groups, local boroughs, ecologists and planning professionals, Londoners interested in the natural world, and visitors to the capital.
Wildweb’s content is reviewed regularly, as new information on London’s wildlife comes to light.
Why not download our leaflet encouraging people to explore the wildest spots in town.
Explore the wildest spots in town leaflet PDF (528k)
Explore the wildest spots in town leaflet RTF (11k)
About London's wildlife sites
London has many wildlife sites and over 1,400 have now been identified as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, ranging from famous landmarks such as Hampstead Heath, the River Thames and Richmond Park, to much smaller sites including neighbourhood parks, commons and churchyards - often right on your doorstep.
There are three types of these sites:
Sites of Metropolitan Importance ('Met Sites'): There are about 140 Met sites, including the best examples of wildlife habitats in London. They often contain many rare plants and animals. They are selected as the most important sites for biodiversity by the Mayor of London and his officers at the Greater London Authority.
Wildweb has information on all London's Met sites, which include the Thames, the canals, the London section of Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Hyde Park and Camley Street Natural Park in Kings Cross. These sites have been given the highest priority for protection from loss or damage.
Sites of Borough Importance: There are about 780 of these sites, which are important wildlife habitats for their boroughs. Wildweb has information on all Borough sites. Examples include Primrose Hill, Clapham Common, Peckham Rye and Victoria Park.
Sites of Local Importance: About 460 of these sites exist, which are the pocket parks, commons, community gardens and often smaller wildlife sites scattered throughout London. They ensure that everyone has easy access to nature close to home, and protecting these as well as the Borough sites is primarily the responsibility of London's boroughs. Each borough's planning department can give exact details of protected wildlife sites.
Wildlife images supplied by Warren Photographic, FLPA, Wild Light Photography and Andy Fisher.
