Biodiversity in Tower Hamlets

Looking to explore biodiversity in Tower Hamlets? We’ve made a list of some of the areas where you can see the diversity of fauna and flora in London.

Willow tress over Regent’s Canal

Bluebells blooming across Novo Cemetery in April

Birds, geese and other waterfowl found in the main lake of Victoria Park

Explore biodiversity hotspots in the borough of Tower Hamlets! Find a variety of different tree species in the woodlands of the Cemetery Park or the fish hiding in the lakes of Victoria Park and the Limehouse Basin. Use our handy Species Guide to identify the wildlife around you.

MILE END PARK

Situated between Mile End and Bow, Mile End Park features meadows, woodlands, and waterways. It has sports fields, a skate park, an ecology park, and a climbing wall.

This is of particular interest due to it’s ‘ecology park’. Here you can see a wide range of wildlife such as dragonflies and amphibians by the different lakes!

The Green Bridge is also notable, which crosses over the Mile End road, designed by Piers Gough.

VICTORIA PARK

Located in the heart of Tower Hamlets, Victoria Park is one of London’s oldest public parks. It offers a large open space, lakes, gardens, sports facilities, and a pavilion. The cafe offers a lovely place to get some work done or even to just relax.

TOWER HAMELTS CEMETERY PARK

This small woodland is a local nature reserve and Victorian Cemetery in the heart of Tower Hamlets. There are many different species to see here, with the large array of colourful butterflies and the noisy Parakeets (although they are a non-native invasive species).

Visit The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park for more information about their events and volunteering opportunities.

LIMEHOUSE BASIN

Walk down Regent’s Canal and you will reach the Limehouse Basin, a lovely and peaceful spot to relax!

Look closely and you can see many different species of fish such as carp, bream, and pike. These fish attract visitors of grey herons, gulls and cormorants.

STEPNEY GREEN PARK

This park is located in Stepney, offering open green spaces, trees, and seating areas. It’s a great spot for picnics or relaxation.

STEPNEY CITY FARM

Stepney Green City Farm offers a vibrant, community-focused space where visitors can engage with a variety of farm animals and learn about sustainable farming practices. The farm is committed to promoting environmental education, providing workshops, and hosting events that cater to all ages. Its gardens and greenhouses showcase organic growing techniques, making it a green haven in the urban landscape.

You can get involved through volunteering here.

WAPPING WOODS

Wapping Woods is a serene urban woodland located in the heart of Tower Hamlets. The area features a variety of native trees and shrubs, creating a tranquil environment for wildlife and visitors alike. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a moment of reflection, offering a natural retreat amidst the bustling city.

WEAVERS FIELDS

Situated in Bethnal Green, Weavers Fields is a small but charming green space with grassy areas, trees, and a playground.

Tower Hamlets have a self-guided ‘Woodland Walk’ which you can find on their website or download here:

Reconnecting with nature, fostering a deeper understanding of our dependence on biodiversity, and integrating conservation into our daily lives are essential steps toward reversing the trend of biodiversity loss and promoting harmony between humans and the natural world.

Weavers Field Woodland Walk

Take a look at our helpful maps of different routes around the Mile End Queen Mary Campus area! You can download the information sheets below.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park Walk

Victoria Park Walk

Take a break and enjoy the local biodiversity!

Play the video here to experience a wildlife walk around the Queen Mary University Mile End campus. This will take you around all of the biodiversity hotspots and calming green spaces across the university.

Remember to download the walks above to if you would like to explore further outside of the University campus.

Let us know what species you find, and send a photo to our blog!

Take a break and enjoy the local biodiversity!

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