Читать книгу Walking in London. Park, heath and waterside - 25 walks in London's green spaces онлайн

5 страница из 42

Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park (Walk 4)

Spring in Regent’s Park (Walk 10)

Although it is a world city, hub of finance and centre of culture, London is equally a city of open spaces in which 13,000 wildlife species have their niche. This might surprise both native Londoners and the teeming millions who visit for leisure or business: some is plain for all to see, as in the majestic Royal Parks that spread in a loop from Westminster through to Camden (Walk 10), but most is much less-known, except perhaps in its local community, such as Sydenham Hill Wood in the south (Walk 22) or Wanstead Flats in the east (Walk 4).

Take Wanstead Flats as an example. During 2016, the local wildlife group set itself the target of positively identifying 1000 species on its tiny patch, just under 1 mile square, across the year. They finished with a count of 1508, and that is in just 0.2% of London’s area.

It should therefore come as no surprise that there is a serious proposal to have London declared the world’s first National Park City. Not for an entity with planning powers, as say in the South Downs or Peak District national parks; instead, one that would celebrate London’s greenery and the opportunities it gives its people, both for recreation and business, and improve the richness, connectivity and biodiversity of London’s habitats.