London Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park

Hello nature enthusiasts! Picture this: a chilly but sun-kissed January day in East London. The perfect setting for a leisurely walk through the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park – a hidden gem nestled amidst bustling residential estates. Now, I’ve known about this haven for a while, but it took a crisp winter day to finally lure me into its embrace.

The Nesting Grounds

My journey kicked off at a small house that doubled as the park’s office, and the park’s entrance. Inside, a delightful surprise awaited – a shelf adorned with bird nests collected from the park. Before you panic, no thieving was involved! These nests were abandoned, and the birds had moved on to build fresh, new homes. It was a close-up encounter with avian architecture that added a fascinating touch to the start of my visit.

A shelf full of labelled deserted bird nests collected in the park. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

As I ventured into the park, its size surprised me – it’s tiny, but oh, it packs a punch. A wooden path meandered through a petite wetland, creating a peaceful sanctuary amidst the urban chaos.

A wooden footpath on the side of a pond. Tall grass in the water. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

A wooden footpath in the park. Frozen big puddle and brushes to the right. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

Two bird-watching huts stood proudly overlooking the wetland, offering a front-row seat to nature’s show. I spotted elegant Canada geese and lively coots, each playing its part in the ecological orchestra. And let’s not forget the cute robins flitting about, adding a touch of charm to the winter scene.

View from a bird watching hut. Small pond with the view partially blocked by tall, yellow grass. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

The Feeding Frenzy

One particular tree stole the spotlight, adorned with bird feeders that turned it into a buzzing hub of activity. I whipped out my phone, attempting to capture the feathery feast. Blue tits and goldfinches took center stage, but there were more elusive diners that kept me on my toes. A 10x zoom was my secret weapon for taking pictures from a distance, though those cheeky birds still refused to pose for a high-definition portrait.

Robin bird sitting on a wooden beam. Photo taken from the top. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

A blue tit sitting at a bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

Birds feasting at two hanging bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds. A goldfinch and blue tit. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

The Unexpected Guest

Just when I thought the avian drama couldn’t get any better, a surprise guest crashed the party. A rat, channeling its inner squirrel, skillfully climbed the tree in pursuit of the mouth-watering seeds. Alas, the elusive feast remained out of reach, and the rat gracefully retreated to solid ground.

A rat climbing a tree to try to reach a bird feeder full of sunflower seeds. — Greenwich Ecology Park London

In a city teeming with concrete and steel, the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park stood as a testament to the unexpected oasis within our midst. Despite its petite size, I lost track of time observing the diverse birdlife and soaking in the tranquillity.

So, if you find yourself in East London craving a nature fix, don your comfiest coat and head to this miniature marvel. It may be tiny, but it sure knows how to make a lasting impression. You can check the opening times on their website: https://www.tcv.org.uk/greenwichpeninsula. Until next time, fellow nature adventurers!

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