An elegant, graceful denizen of waterways, reedbeds and wetlands, where it slowly stalks for prey such as fish, frogs and small birds. It is one of the largest wild birds in London, with a wingspan of almost two metres.

Almost extinct in the 1940s, it has benefited from the improvements to many of London’s rivers since then.

Find a grey heron on a London Nature Trail at:

• Silkstream Park and Welsh Harp (Brent) Reservoir on the walk from Burnt Oak to Wembley

• Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal, ZSL London Zoo or Camley Street Natural Park on the walk from Swiss Cottage to King’s Cross

• Canada Water and Deptford Creek on the walk from Bermondsey to Brockley

• Royal Docks, Bow Creek Ecology Park and Cody Dock on the walk from Wanstead to Royal Docks