A new breeding population of white storks will be brought back to London for the first time in 600 years as part of an initiative aimed at rewilding the area.

These native birds, which became extinct in Britain during the 1400s, will be situated in Eastbrookend Country Park in Dagenham beginning October next year. This will establish the park as the second site in the country dedicated to the public reintroduction of white storks.

Additionally, beavers are scheduled to be introduced to the park in March 2027. These creatures were initially reintroduced to the capital in 2023 at a nature reserve located in Greenford, Ealing.

The new initiative in East London has received a financial boost of £500,000 from the Mayor of London’s Green Roots Fund, as well as support from Barking and Dagenham Council and the London Wildlife Trust.

Sam Davenport, the nature recovery director at London Wildlife Trust, expressed his hope that the return of both white storks and beavers could inspire an “ambitious vision for nature recovery across the capital.”

Dominic Twomey, the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, emphasized that the white stork reintroduction in London builds upon the successful breeding program taking place in Sussex.

The Green Roots Fund, spearheaded by Sir Sadiq Khan, will allocate £12 million over the next three years to projects focused on greening, enhancing health, and improving climate resilience in London.

“Access to nature is a matter of social justice, and it shouldn’t be limited to those residing in rural areas who get to live alongside our incredible wildlife,” remarked Sir Sadiq.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, irrespective of their location. This marks just the beginning of the transformation we are set to witness.”