Help Protect London’s Largest Tern Colony in Greenwich

Hello,

This summer, I will be hiking 192 miles across England’s beautiful countryside on the Coast to Coast Walk to raise vital funds for the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park.

The park is home to London’s largest colony of terns, but they urgently need a replacement nesting raft so these remarkable birds can safely return each spring to raise their young. Your support will help protect a thriving wildlife haven in the heart of the Peninsula and ensure the terns have a secure home for many years to come.

Whether you live on the Greenwich Peninsula or are just visiting, every donation — large or small — makes a real difference. All funds raised will go directly towards building the new tern raft. This cause is close to the hearts of the park’s staff, volunteers, and local community, and we are truly grateful for your support.

What do the terns need?

Each spring, Common Terns return from their wintering grounds in Africa, driven by instinct to nest and raise their chicks. At the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, they depend on specially crafted wooden rafts, layered with shingle to replicate their natural breeding islands. One essential raft, however, is now worn beyond repair and will not last another season. We urgently need to replace it by February 2026 with a hand-built, predator-proof design so effective it is set to be adopted by other sites. Without this crucial home, London’s largest tern colony is at serious risk.

The park struggles…

The park is currently facing significant funding pressures due to ongoing infrastructure problems that demand much of the staff’s time and resources. This affects both the charity that owns the park (The Land Trust) and the one that manages it (TCV). The Friends of Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park (registered charity no 1119415 ) support the park wherever they can. That is why your help is so important in sustaining the vital work that keeps this extraordinary urban wildlife sanctuary alive.

Did you know?

The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park hosts school visits, community events, holiday activities, and volunteer opportunities. You can find out more here: www.tcv.org.uk/greenwichpeninsula

About the Coast to Coast Walk

Stretching from the rugged Heritage Coast at St Bees in Cumbria to the picturesque shores of Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, the Coast to Coast Walk is a legendary 192-mile journey created by Alfred Wainwright. It crosses three National Parks, charming villages, and landscapes rich in history and beauty. The route is divided into sixteen sections: seven in the Lake District and Cumbria, three in the Yorkshire Dales, two in the Vale of Mowbray, and four in the North York Moors. www.coasttocoast.uk

Follow my journey

I will begin on Wednesday 13 August. Follow my progress live here:

share.garmin.com/Coast2Coast

Thank you very much!