Wonderful Wildlife at Westminster… and Have Your Views Heard on the BBC

I recently shared a rather lovely photo on my social media of a fox I spotted on the Parliamentary Estate.

Seeing creatures of the countryside in the big city is always a pleasure. It is a welcome reminder that you are never too far from home! These familiar faces may be regulars in urban areas like London, yet seeing a fox on the Estate was a charming surprise.

I was then delighted to see foxes among some other city-loving animals featured on Sir David Attenborough’s wonderful BBC film ‘Wild London’. Our capital is the world’s greenest major city, and home to a range of beautiful creatures.

Perhaps the most endearing part of the film was witnessing a pair of peregrines, who have nested on the Houses of Parliament for a decade, and following the journey of their offspring who were attempting their first flight. It was nothing less than enchanting to watch Sir David hold a peregrine falcon chick inside the Palace while being ringed for identification. I found that touch of country calm in the heart of Westminster just joyful.

‘Wild London’ aired on the BBC, which, alongside our wonderful wildlife, remains one of Britain’s most valuable assets and greatest strengths. The Government is currently undertaking a major review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, its constitutional basis. This will be ongoing until the Charter expires at the end of 2027. As part of the Green Paper, there is a consultation open to the public, which will be used to inform the future of the BBC and help it continue to serve the public. The consultation can be filled out here: BBC Charter Review Public Consultation, and closes on 10 March.

The BBC belongs to all of us. Let’s share our views to ensure that it continues to be the great public service that it always has been!