News Release

From the City of London Corporation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday 14 March 2017

Meg Game, City of London Corporation Ecologist at Hampstead Heath, said:

“Kingfishers usually nest in sandy riverbanks - an ecology which doesn’t naturally exist on Hampstead Heath. Around 20 years ago we created an artificial bank out of a sand and cement mix to encourage breeding.

“It has been highly successful with the birds bringing up one or more broods of chicks almost every year. To develop a successful habitat for Kingfishers so close to the centre of London is very special. It shows we can successfully foster a thriving and diverse ecology in a popular site just four miles from Trafalgar Square.”

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

• We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust, makes grants of around £20 million annually to tackle disadvantage across London.

   

• We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, the Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important commons in London.

   

• We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies, all reflecting a long-term approach.

See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.