May 2022

An early morning bird walk will take place on Wanstead Flats this month.

“Join us to learn about the role temporary fencing has played in helping to protect our breeding ground-nesting birds. We will be looking and listening out for skylarks, meadow pipits, breeding migrants like whitethroats, and possibly some passage migrants like whinchat and wheatear. Bring binoculars if you have them,” said a spokesperson for the Wren Wildlife Group.

The two-hour walk starts at 8am on 7 May (free; booking required).

Visit wnstd.com/birdwalk

Wanstead resident Helen O’Rourke will be running in the Vitality London 10K this month to raise funds for local swan rescue volunteers.

“Gill Walker, Louisa Green, Andy Miller and their team are on call 365 days a year to keep our swans and water birds safe. The veterinary ambulance has covered 6,000 miles since 28 January and the petrol is paid for by them. Money raised will go to cover this and other consumables needed for this vital rescue work,” said Helen, whose daughter Katie is also taking part.

Visit wnstd.com/orourke