White storks will be reintroduced to London for the first time in centuries after plans were approved by Barking and Dagenham council leaders. Eastbrookend Country Park will host the storks, while The Chase nature reserve will welcome a new colony of beavers.
Both species were once native to Britain but were hunted to extinction between the 15th and 16th centuries. The council is working with the London Wildlife Trust, with funding from City Hall, government and corporate sponsors.
A purpose-built aviary at Eastbrookend will house the storks, with chicks eventually released to establish a breeding population. Beavers will be released into a lakeside enclosure at The Chase in March 2027, following earlier successful reintroductions elsewhere in London.
Deputy council leader Saima Ashraf described the project as a “bold and historic moment” and said it would bring education programmes, guided walks and a greener, more wildlife-rich park for residents.
