TREASURE DESCRIPTION: Water quality is a key factor to a Kingfisher’s survival. It feeds on tadpoles, aquatic insects and small fish, so the water needs to be clean enough for birds to see its tiny prey. Once it dives into the water, a Kingfisher is effectively hunting blind, its eyes protected by a third eyelid. A Kingfisher needs to eat its body weight in fish and insects each day. The London Natural History Society found Kingfishers breeding between 1900 and 1935. None were found between 1936 and 1971, which was attributed to increased pollution.
From the 1980s, birds were seen in the winter months but never bred. The Wandle lacks soft vertical banks where Kingfishers can excavate a tunnel with a nesting chamber at the end.
After the storm of 1987, the exposed root plates of fallen trees provided nesting opportunities. Other ‘man-made’ nest sites support breeding pairs e.g. Spencer Road Wetlands, Hackbridge.
These treasures were made as part of The Building Exploratory, Wandle Treasures project. This project was part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
