Even the most seasoned Londoners may be surprised to learn that the capital is home to more than 15,000 species of plants, animals, and fungi. Classed as one of the world’s greenest cities, largely thanks to its eight Royal Parks and a number of nature reserves, the secret to spotting London’s wildlife – whether that’s famous pelicans in St James’s Park or peregrines on skyscrapers – is about knowing where to look. 

A new one-off documentary by David Attenborough is about to put that into pin-sharp perspective when it lands on BBC One on New Year’s Day (1 December 2026). Named Wild London, the unique documentary has eschewed gorillas in Rwanda, penguins in the Arctic and lions in Africa for smaller but no less impressive mammals, insects and birds closer to home. Made even more special by the fact that Attenborough will mark his 100th birthday in May 2026, and marking his homecoming to a city he has lived in for seven decades, Wild London is definitely one to watch. 

While the documentary has plenty of wildlife inspiration, we have also scouted out a few of our favourite spots to see London come alive throughout the year, whether that’s migrating birds in Walthamstow, deer in Richmond or seahorses in the Thames. 

Richmond Park

Home to: Red deer, fallow deer, woodpeckers, and stag beetles

Created by King Charles I in the 17^th century as a deer park, Richmond Park is London’s largest park area and holds many nature accolades, including being a national nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. It features heavily in David Attenborough’s Wild London, not only because it has been his home for seven decades, but also because it is his “refuge and source of inspiration”. 

Originally created for deer hunting, and once the reserve of the monarchy until management was officially handed to the government in 1851, it remains home to roughly 630 red and fallow deer that roam freely around its 2,500 acres. Richmond Park is a haven for smaller creatures too, such as woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, frogs, toads, as well as the rare and declining stag beetles. You’ll also spot a pandemonium of parakeets – which is common across London’s Royal Parks – that fly between the ancient oak trees, some 750 years old, and other rare flora such as the Chinese Handkerchief Tree. Don’t miss the some 30 ponds dotted around the park – and Attenborough fans should also check out the park’s newest pond that was named after him in 2014 as part of Richmond’s Ponds and Streams Conservation Programme.

Walthamstow Wetlands

Home to: Otters, Little Egret, Kingfisher and Peregrine Falcon

Another prime spot to discover British wildlife in all its forms is Walthamstow Wetlands: one of the largest urban nature reserves in Europe. Part of London Wildlife Trust, the wetlands span a whopping 520 acres and serve as a byway for migrating birds. In the summer, visitors include swifts, swallows and warblers heading to and from Africa, while winter heralds the arrival of redwings from Scandinavia and various species of ducks, geese, swans. 

Easily accessible from Tottenham Hale and Blackhorse Road tube stations, the wetlands form part of the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain and include 10 reservoirs fringed by 13 miles of walking and cycle paths that’s serviced by the café and shop Engine House. Some of the reservoirs welcome fishing, where visitors can catch trout and huge carp weighing up to 14 pounds. 

Highgate Wood

Home to: Leisler's bat, jewel beetles, ashy-mining bees and veteran oaks

Small but mighty, Highgate Wood spans 70 acres of ancient woodland nestled between East Finchley, Highgate and Muswell Hill. Originating as part of the vast Ancient Forest of Middlesex, it is at least 500 years old, was even mentioned in the Domesday Book and was once a medieval deer park used by the Bishops of London, becoming public in 1886. Today, it remains home to a surprising array of flora and fauna given its proximity to the city, home to more than 400 moth species, 70 birds, seven types of bat and more than 350 fungi. 

Discover more than 50 species of trees that have self-seeded here, ranging from more common types like oak, hornbeam and holly wood, as well as scarce shrubs like the Wild Service Tree: a rare deciduous tree with brown berries. It’s also a popular spot for roosting bats, including the noctule – the most common in the UK – and the rare Leisler's bat, otherwise known as the ‘hairy-armed bat’, which isn’t native to the UK but has found a home in Highgate Wood. 

River Thames

Home to: Seals, kingfishers, Dover sole, harbour porpoises and Northern Bottlenose Whales

Although it may not seem like it, largely due to its unappealing brown-grey hue, The Thames is teeming with wildlife. Attenborough hints at its developing ecosystem throughout Wild London, and its evolution is nothing short of remarkable given it was classed as biologically dead in the 1950s. Having been revived through the hard work of conservation organisations, multiple governments and the rebuilding of sewerage systems, England's longest river is now home to rare species such as the short snouted seahorse and is one of only five known nursery grounds for Dover sole in the UK who love its nutrient-rich brown waters. Perhaps the colour isn’t that bad after all. 

You may also be surprised to discover that 125 species of fish thrive in its waters, including seabass, flounder and cucumber-smelling smelt. Some have also spotted harbour and grey venturing far upstream, and while the likes of harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and Northern bottlenose whales are rare, we’d say it’s always worth packing your binoculars for a day out on the Thames. 

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