An “astounding number” of birds were spotted in Burgess Park in 2021, with some coming from as far away as Siberia and sub-Saharan Africa, a local conservation group has found.
More than 85 different species of bird visited Southwark’s largest park, a figure more likely to be found in wilder areas than inner-city parkland.
“Burgess Park is a glowing example of what can be achieved by metropolitan green space in an urban setting,” said David Clark of Southwark Nature Action Volunteers, the organisation behind the figures.
“With its wide vistas, open spaces and lake settings, the park, believe it or not, is one of the most important areas for wildlife in South London,” he added.
Alongside more common garden birds, Burgess Park has sheltered much rarer species, including a white-fronted goose which normally lives in snowy Siberia.
Many species of songbird, which David says “weigh equivalent to only two teaspoons of sugar,” also use the park in spring as a pit-stop on their thousand-mile journey from sub-Saharan Africa to the Americas.
Come August they leave Old Kent Road to start their long trip back to the African continent.
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Another frequent visitor was the Peregrine Falcon, which can reach speeds of up to 240 MPH. It “can often be seen flying over the park looking for their next meal,” says David.
However, he pointed out that “we also cannot escape” the impact of the climate emergency and human activity on local wildlife.
More than a quarter of UK bird species are under threat, according to the RSPB.
David urged locals to “help retain and enhance the health of our green spaces and birds,” particularly by avoiding feeding them with bread and keeping disturbances to a minimum.
Parks across the capital have regained importance since the recent spate of lockdowns.
“During covid we have turned to our green spaces to provide some respite from the restrictions we have had to put up with,” said David.
“Being close to nature is known to be important for our physical and mental well being and the more we engage with nature the more we care for it.”
If you would like to be more involved in local nature conservation please contact Southwark Nature Action Volunteers: https://southwarknature.org.uk/ or Burgess park Friends: https://www.friendsofburgesspark.org.uk/