Could white storks make a dramatic return to the skies above Greater London? A new survey led by the University of Brighton and rewilding charity Citizen Zoo is asking Londoners to weigh in.
White storks were once native to Britain but vanished around the 15th century. Now, thanks to a successful reintroduction project, led by the White Stork Project at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex, wild storks have begun breeding here again for the first time in over 500 years. Sightings across Greater London are becoming more common – prompting experts to ask: could the capital be their next home?
That’s the question driving an innovative new project led by Dr Rachel White from the University of Brighton’s School of Applied Sciences, exploring whether the capital’s urban landscape could support these iconic birds, just as other European cities have done. It asks residents and visitors to share their thoughts on storks, their knowledge of the species, and how they feel about sharing the city with more wildlife.
The survey is part of a broader effort to assess not just the ecological feasibility of storks returning to the capital, but also the political support and community interest needed to make such a return successful.
Dr Rachel White says: “This is a really valuable opportunity for residents and frequent visitors of London to express their views on the species, as well as recent efforts to assess its potential to live and breed within Greater London.
“At the University of Brighton, within our new Centre for Environment and Society we’re committed to supporting research that informs conservation efforts and facilitates human-wildlife coexistence. People’s engagement with this survey will help shape future decisions around any white stork initiatives in the city, aiming to deliver mutual benefits for both people and nature.”
The survey is available here and via the Citizen Zoo website and will remain open until the late Autumn. Findings will feed into a wider ecological and social assessment and help guide future community consultations.
Elliot Newton, Co-founder and Head of Rewilding at Citizen Zoo, says: “White storks have the power to spark real excitement. We want to see London lead the world in welcoming nature and championing nature-based solutions to climate change. Storks could become a talismanic species for the capital, inspiring millions of Londoners to rethink how much nature our city can hold and to reimagine their own connection to the wild.”
The initiative forms part of White Storks London, a pioneering project supported by the Rewilding Britain Innovation Fund, exploring whether London’s landscape can support stork populations by examining ecological conditions, public attitudes, and political readiness. Dr White is a working group member alongside ecologists, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders. Over the next year, the project will focus on six key areas:
Political landscape mapping: Identifying relevant policies and gauging local authority support.
Habitat assessment: Mapping and evaluating nesting and feeding sites across the city.
Community engagement: Building awareness and participation among residents.
White Stork Working Group: Coordinating stakeholders from across conservation and policy sectors.
Urban habitat enhancement: Identifying opportunities to improve green spaces for wildlife.
Options appraisal: Weighing the risks, benefits, and practicalities of reintroduction.
At the University of Brighton, Dr Rachel White’s research centres on avian ecology and conservation, species reintroductions, urban biodiversity, and citizen science. She is particularly passionate about reconnecting people with wildlife – especially young people – and promoting a sense of optimism in conservation. The university’s involvement in this initiative reflects its strong commitment to applied ecological research that brings together science, policy, and public engagement.
Contact Information
| Kate Miller |
| Media Relations Manager |
| University of Brighton |
| k.miller2@brighton.ac.uk |
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