Two years photographing wildlife in London parks
City Parks, Hidden Sanctuaries.
“Parks are not just green spaces; they are sanctuaries, vital to both wildlife and people.”
For over two years, I lived beside Sutcliffe Park in south-east London. Surrounded by busy roads and housing, it was the kind of place most people passed without much thought. But for me, it became a refuge, a hidden sanctuary where I could step away from the pressure of office life and recharge in the company of wildlife.
I spent hours in that park, often hidden from view: crouched in reeds, standing in swamps, or tucked beneath bridges, camouflaged in wellies with my camera ready. In those moments, I wasn’t just photographing animals, I was present, watching, learning, and sharing space with the fragile beauty of the natural world.
What I discovered in Sutcliffe is true for every city park. They are not just green spaces; they are sanctuaries, vital to both wildlife and people.
The Portfolio
Over two years, I built a large portfolio of local wildlife, including:
Herons, seagulls, and coots along the water
Egyptian geese, mallards, and chicks hatching in spring
Parakeets streaking green through the trees
Squirrels darting across branches
Foxes are moving quietly at dusk
And Bonny, the lone swan who became a familiar companion
and many more…
I saw every side of life: chicks hatching, animals nesting, parents fighting to defend territory, and the timid moments of vulnerability as habitats shrank and pollution spread.
What Parks Teach Us
City parks are not only places for wildlife, but also places for us. Spending time in them helps us slow down, recharge, and let everyday worries fade. They remind us that we belong to nature, not apart from it.
Yet they are fragile. As I worked, I often picked up litter and saw how easily these environments can be harmed. Feeding animals the wrong food, leaving scraps, or letting dogs run freely may seem harmless, but can cause real damage.
This is why awareness is essential. Through my photography, I hope not only to share the beauty of urban wildlife but also to inspire care and protection for it.
Looking Ahead
This project has become larger than Sutcliffe Park itself. Every park in London, and in cities everywhere, holds a hidden world, often unnoticed yet alive with stories. Through photographs, storytelling, and education, I aim to bring these spaces into focus and invite others to see their quiet richness.
I am currently editing the portfolio, and I plan to create a book on urban parks and wildlife:
A visual record of the animals I encountered.
Short notes about each species and their behaviour.
Guidance on how to respect and protect them, from choosing the right food to understanding why keeping dogs on a lead is essential.
If city parks are protected and appreciated, they can remain sanctuaries, earthly paradises at our doorstep.
Photography Book Coming Soon
A Hidden Sanctuary: Two Years Photographing Sutcliffe Park