Overview
- Captive-bred white storks will be introduced at Eastbrookend Country Park in October 2026, starting in a large aviary whose roof will be gradually removed to build site fidelity.
- Beavers are scheduled for release into a large fenced area in March 2027 to accelerate wetland creation and support fish, amphibians and invertebrates.
- City Hall’s Green Roots Fund is providing £500,000 for aviaries, beaver fencing and staffing, alongside wider awards of £3.48 million to 26 projects and a pledged investment of more than £12 million over three years.
- Habitat work along the Rom/Beam corridor underpins the plan, drawing on the Knepp project’s success where 45 white stork chicks fledged this year.
- Barking and Dagenham Council and the London Wildlife Trust will run the project, with a dedicated stork officer engaging local schools and community groups.