Wildlife winging their way to the wharf

The eagle-eyed birdwatcher can sometimes spot birds making nests out of rubbish in Millwall Dock, and the rare urban black redstart is known to nest happily on the tops of the high-rise towers.

Many a Wharfer has traded stories of spotting Simone the grey seal gorging on leftovers near West India Quay’s Billingsgate fish market.

Fish such as bream, carp, pike, brown trout, rainbow trout, roach, perch and eels have encouraged anglers to congregate around South Quay and other areas of water.

British Waterways says improved water quality in the docks in recent years has encouraged more cormorants to pop over and dine on the increased fish population in the area.

Waterfowl are also attracted by floating baskets of reeds and rushes along the dock walls, perfect for raising young.

British Waterways is often busy rescuing wildlife, collecting rubbish and rescuing injured ducklings and foxes.

Docklands manager Dennis Fink said: “The docks are a unique environment, and part of their charm is the variety of species you can see here, whether you are taking a lunchtime stroll or on a visiting vessel, there’s always something of interest to see.”

East India Dock Basin is now attracting more birds such as terns, sandmartins and kingfishers to its banks. The formerly derelict dock was revitalised by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, and since 2002 has added rafts to allow breeding and exposed mud on the north shore to attract waders.

Ranger Ges Hoddinott said: “There have been more than 60 bird sightings this year, which is phenomenal for a nine-acre site.
“I’ve been quite surprised at how the bird life adapts quite well to the fact the site is open to people coming and going. But considering the road, railway line and airport are nearby, there’s a lot of noise about anyway and they must feel safe in the cover of the water.”