Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) is the capital's environmental records centre - we collate, manage and make available detailed information on London's wildlife, parks, nature reserves, gardens and other open spaces.

Image of the week - Greenspace and the City 
Ropemakers Fields, Tower Hamlets, with Canary Wharf in the background   

Many of London's open spaces, such as the Royal Parks and the Thames and Tidal Tributaries are internationally famous, providing relaxation and recreation for thousands of London visitors and residents, not to mention significant wildlife habitats.

But at a smaller scale, most Londoners are familiar with their own local green spaces, near to home or work.  Though small, such green spaces in residential and built up areas are significantly important. 

For people, local parks offer a refuge from the hubbub of the city, space to exercise, greenery for the garden-less, play facilities for children.  For wildlife, these spaces may include valuable habitat, especially when managed with biodiversity in mind.   

At GiGL we manage datasets for the partnership about green spaces of all sizes from pocket parks to internationally designated habitat sites.

If you see any wildlife in your local patch, don't forget to let us know.

GiGL reaches 2 million!

This summer we added our 2 millionth record to the database - a significant milestone for the partnership.

The record with the honour of being the first past the post was Salix spp., willow. 

Congratulations and thanks to all data contributors who've helped to reach this grand total for Greater London.  It's an impressive figure, strengthening our baseline of wildlife information.  And it reflects the breadth and scope of recording by many dedicated wildlife enthusiasts across the capital.

New Research - London: Garden City?

GiGL have collaborated with our partners London Wildlife Trust and the GLA to conduct new research into London's gardens.

Gardens make up nearly a quarter of our city's landscape. But our evidence shows they are changing from green to grey....

Click the image to find out more.