Nearly 50 Bird Species Spotted at Dukes Meadows

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Year of monitoring by volunteers highlights importance of riverside park

A group of volunteer bird monitors at the March 2025 walk

March 17, 2026

A full year of bird monitoring at Dukes Meadows has recorded 48 different species, highlighting the importance of the riverside park as a haven for wildlife in an increasingly pressured urban environment.

The survey was carried out through monthly bird walks organised by Dukes Meadows Trust in partnership with RSPB Central London. Led by RSPB volunteer Andrew Peel, the walks began in March last year and have now built a detailed picture of the birds that use the meadows across the seasons.

Some species, such as Blue Tits, Robins and Mallards, were seen regularly, while others appeared only briefly. A Redwing spotted in January was among the seasonal visitors passing through the area. The mix of habitats – from grassland and hedgerows to allotments, woodland and the River Thames – makes Dukes Meadows particularly rich for birdlife.

The findings come against a backdrop of long‑term national decline. Bird numbers in the UK have fallen by an estimated 73 million since the 1950s, making urban green spaces increasingly important refuges.

“Ongoing monitoring is vital to understand what is happening to bird numbers and to inform efforts to help them survive and thrive,” said Andrew Peel. “This is a great initiative by Dukes Meadows Trust, and I am pleased to support it.”

The Trust plans to continue the walks on a quarterly basis. Director Kathleen Healy thanked both Andrew and RSPB London for their support. “We couldn’t have done the walks without Andrew,” she said. “They have enabled us to discover a whole new and wonderful aspect of the Meadows, as well as contributing to efforts to protect birds which have declined in numbers and are under threat.”

The next bird walk will take place on Sunday 31 May at 11am.

Species seen and heard at Dukes Meadows:

Blackcap

Black-headed Gull

Blue Tit

Canada Goose

Carrion Crow

Coot

Cormorant

Dunnock

Egyptian Goose

Gadwall

Goldcrest

Goldfinch

Great Tit

GreyHeron

Herring Gull

House Sparrow

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Long-tailed Tit

Magpie

Mallard

Mute Swan

Pied Wagtail

Redwing

Ring- necked Parakeet

Robin

Starling

Teal

Tufted Duck

Wood Pigeon

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