The Royal Parks has increased the size of the wetlands in Regent's Park by more than 25 per cent. Funding from Westminster City Council and the SITA Trust has enabled this expansion, making Regent's Park home to the largest wetland area in inner London.

The wetland, near Longbridge in Regent's Park, has been extended through the creation of an additional area of deep water and the inclusion of two banks. The banks have been specially designed to encourage kingfishers to nest and nest boxes have been buried within them. The area of reedbeds around the lake in Regent's Park has also been significantly increased - new reedbeds have been planted and existing reedbeds have been extended.

Nick Biddle, Park Manager of The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill said: "The extended Wetlands in Regent's Park will help support a number of species such as dragonfly and kingfishers that are rarely found within an urban environment."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Katy Murray, The Royal Parks on 020 7298 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

For further information on the SITA Trust please visit: www.sitatrust.org.uk. For further information on Westminster City Council please visit: www.westminster.gov.uk

About Wetlands and Reedbeds: Wetlands and reedbeds are important natural habitats that provide shelter, nest sites, and food for a wide variety of wildlife. Reedbeds naturally and effectively cleanse water by absorbing nitrates and pollutants through their roots. This creates a more balanced ecology and improves environmental conditions.

About Regent's Park: The Regent's Park covers 166 hectares (410 acres) and includes stunning rose gardens with more than 30,000 roses of 400 varieties. The Park has excellent sports facilities and with nearly 100 acres available is the largest outdoor sports area in Central London.

About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk