With the wetland habitats we’ve created on the seven new islands within Canada Dock now complete, the local swans and other birds have new places with ideal conditions to build their nests.  

This means they’ll no longer be needing the temporary floating islands that were installed in Canada Dock to give them a place to nest while the new habitats were being constructed. At the Harbour Master’s suggestion, these islands will now be moved to Greenland Dock. Moving the islands will help continue the project of improving the historic docks as havens for biodiversity and places where local people can get close to nature.  

The revitalised space at Canada Dock includes three distinct wetland habitats and more than one kilometre of shallow edges. Reed beds, new plants and trees provide places for invertebrates and birds to thrive. The wetlands were designed by Townshend Landscape Architects with support from nature conservation specialists the London Wildlife Trust, who will continue to play an active role in managing the wetlands.  

The wetlands are traversed by Rafter Walk, the striking red boardwalk that opened with a spectacular party in November. The boardwalk allows people to get close to the wildlife of the wetlands without disturbing it. At night, clever lighting illuminates the walkway for people while keeping the wetlands below in natural darkness.    

Greenland Dock was used by whaling ships during the 18th century before being incorporated into Surrey Commercial Docks in 1865. Along with Canada Dock, it was at the centre of London’s timber trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These days it’s a popular site for open water swimming, sailing and canoeing. 

Hazel Nancarrow, Client Services Director  atDirector at British Land, said: “We’re grateful to the Harbour Master for the suggestion that we move these nesting islands to Greenland Dock. The floating islands served as temporary accommodation for Canada Dock’s waterfowl while we built a proper new habitat for them. Now their new wetland home is established, we’ll maintain it as a space where nature can thrive while encouraging bird life at Greenland Dock too.”  

To move the temporary islands to their new location, cranes will be operating in the area during early 2025. The start of the year will also see works begin to create a dipping pond at Canada Dock where people will be able to explore its aquatic life.  

To see how we’re managing the new wildlife habitat at Canada Dock, click here.