Transport for LondonGo wild in the city this half-term
London is a city that is extremely rich in both urban and rural wildlife
Last week the first Oystercatcher bird race took place in London.
The competition, organised by Natural England and Transport for London (TfL), saw teams travel to different wildlife sites and green spaces within the Capital using only public transport, while spotting as many bird species as possible.
Speaking about the race, Peter Massini from Natural England said: 'The event aimed to show how easy it is for people to jump onto a bus or a Tube and get out and see the city's wildlife.
'With half-term coming up soon, it's a great way for families to leave the car behind and explore the wild side of London.'
Rich in wildlife
There have been more than 200 species of wild bird recorded in London, so it should be easy to spot more than just pigeons and swans.
In fact with an early start, it's possible that some may even see the elusive Oystercatcher.
Marian Kelly, Environment Manager for London Underground, added: 'London is a city that is extremely rich in both urban and rural wildlife.
'TfL is committed to protecting London's wildlife while providing a reliable public transport system.
'By using an Oyster card, passengers can access London's many green spaces quickly, easily and cheaply'.
TfL has a number of schemes in place to help reduce its impact on the environment.
More information can be found on TfL's website at tfl.gov.uk/environment
Some of the places you can get to by public transport:
London Wetland Centre:
The 43-hectare plot, one of the best urban sites in Europe to watch wildlife, is an international awardwinning visitor attraction and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
How to get there: Travel to Hammersmith on the District, Piccadilly or Hammersmith & City line, then take the number 283 bus directly to the centre.
Farthing Downs:
A large area of grassland, ancient woodland and scrub on the chalky soil of the Downs, which supports a wide variety of plants, birds, insects and animals.
How to get there: Travel to West Croydon using Croydon Tramlink, then head to Coulsdon on the number 60 bus.
The Chase and Eastbrookend Country Park:
A large area of former gravel workings beside the River Rom, comprising a mosaic of grazed wetland and terrestrial habitats.
The country park was restored later than the Chase, although the two sites are complementary in terms of their habitat diversity.
How to get there: Travel to Elm Park on the District line, then take the number 252 bus to Harrow Lodge Park.
Sydenham Hill Wood:
Sydenham Hill Wood forms the largest remaining tract of the old Great North Wood, which once stretched from Deptford to Selhurst.
It is home to more than 200 species of trees and flowering plants including wild garlic, early dog violet and bugle.
How to get there: Travel to Elephant & Castle Tube station on the Northern line, then head southbound on the number 363 bus.
Camley Street Natural Park:
The park offers meadows, marsh woodland and open-water habitat.
These habitats are intensively managed to maintain their diverse wildlife value and include many species of birds, bees, butterflies, amphibians and a rich variety of plants.
How to get there: Travel to King's Cross St Pancras Tube station, then head northbound on the 214 bus or it's a 10 minute walk from the station.
Just what is an Oystercatcher?
The Oystercatcher is a large, stocky, black and white wading bird.
It has a long, orange-red bill and reddish-pink legs.
In flight, it shows a wide white wing-stripe, a black tail and a white rump that extends as a 'V' between the wings.
In London, you might see Oystercatchers on the banks of the Thames adjacent to Rainham Marshes, Barking Riverside and Crayford Marshes.
