Storks were once an integral part of the UK’s wildlife but hunting and persecution, changing landscapes and agricultural practices, and the loss of suitable nesting sites, led to their decline, and eventual extinction in Britain by the 15th century. Despite their elimination from the UK, their cultural impact is reflected in place names such as Storrington in West Sussex and through numerous historical references such as the famous breeding pair spotted nesting atop St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh in 1416.

Within London, it is possible to identify a historical fascination with the birds. From the 1918 Underground poster showcasing the captive storks at Kew Gardens to the more recent inclusion of a pair at the WWT’s London Wetland Centre in Barnes. Furthermore, with natural migratory overshoots of individuals into the British Isles, it hasn’t been entirely uncommon to spot storks flying over the capital and surrounding counties. Following the success of the White Stork Project, sightings of storks over London are set to increase as more birds explore and become established in nearby areas of the South East.

Ecology

Storks prefer open wetlands, pastures, and farmlands. They can tolerate and thrive near human settlements, and breed successfully in many inhabited regions of Europe, from Alsace to the Algarve, in parts of Germany, and with strongholds in Spain, Poland and the Baltic nations (see the European Stork Villages Network here). They feed on a wide variety of prey, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and small birds. Ecologically, they help control populations of these prey species and also facilitate nutrient cycling through their feeding activities. Additionally, storks nests – which can grow up to several metres across and weigh over a tonne – provide habitat for a variety of other species, such as birds, mammals and a wide array of invertebrates.

Although ecologically important in their own right, storks are also considered an ‘umbrella species’, i.e. a single, charismatic species whose protection can have a wide range of benefits for other species and habitats. In this case, the large areas of wetlands and open fields vital for storks’ survival will inevitably support a diverse range of other species. We seek to promote discussion of the white stork’s return as a catalyst for habitat restoration across London and engage the public in the topic of ecological recovery for the capital’s land, water and skies.

Aims of our London White Stork Project:

The London White Stork project aspires for a wilder London, where people can interact and engage with nature on a daily basis, while supporting greater biodiversity and future-proofing our city against the challenges of climate change. We believe that white storks have the potential to thrive in London as they do in many urban landscapes across Europe and they could become a symbol for nature recovery within the capital.

However, we recognise that much will need to be done to enable white storks to thrive within our city, we wish to start the discussion and explore this topic further to help identify what actions need to be taken to help make this dream a reality.

Below are six focus areas which we will be working on over the next 12 months.

1. Habitat Assessment Across London:

Collaborating with London’s Ecological Records Centre (GiGL), we will examine habitat data across London to identify areas capable of supporting white stork populations. Through this assessment, we aim to create a comprehensive map highlighting white stork habitat hotspots, while also evaluating landscape connectivity.

2. Understanding the political landscape:

Evaluating the political will for coexisting with white storks, we will reach out to the Mayor of London and the 33 local authorities to gauge their receptiveness towards hosting white stork populations within their respective boroughs. This data will provide insights into political acceptance and will be mapped by boroughs, improving our understanding of where white storks would be accepted politically.

3. Engaging with communities to raise awareness of the project & getting people’s views:

Throughout the year we will be engaging with communities through a series of physical and virtual events, we will raise awareness about the significance of white storks and encourage feedback on the concept through community consultations.

4. Establishing a ‘London White Stork Working Group’:

We will establish a London White Stork Working Group, convening relevant stakeholders including the London Wildlife Trusts, interested local authorities, conservation organisations, and representatives from Natural England and the Environment Agency. Through inclusive and informative meetings, we aim to foster collaboration and discussion on the matter, drawing inspiration from the successful model of the London Beaver Working Group.

5. Identifying opportunities of habitat enhancement and restoration:

With the support of habitat mapping we will Investigate and identify habitat restoration opportunities across London, we will seek to enhance habitats conducive to white stork habitation, thereby facilitating their successful establishment and breeding.

6. Conducting an options appraisal to promote white stork recovery in London:

We will undertake a comprehensive options appraisal, which will explore various strategies to encourage the establishment of viable white stork populations. This includes assessing the feasibility of promoting natural recolonisation events and possible proactive methods, aiming to create an informed plan on how we can promote white stork conservation within London.

How can you get involved?

Following the launch of our London White Stork Project, we will establish our White Stork Working Group later this year. This will be an inclusive platform for organisations and individuals to facilitate discussion on white storks within the London context. The inaugural meeting will feature a presentation from Laura Vaughan-Hirsch, the White Stork officer for the White Stork Project – if you would like to join the meeting and find out more please email [email protected].

We are also seeking potential investors or philanthropists excited about seeing white storks return to London, please get in touch via the same route.

You can contribute to this project by making a donation or becoming a member today!

Lastly, if you spot white storks in London, or know of any sites in London that could be suitable for their reintroduction, we would love to hear from you.