Did you know that much of modern-day London is built on reclaimed marshland? In Roman times the Thames flowed through vast wetlands—possibly five times wider than it is today. London, which began as the small Roman settlement of Londinium, expanded rapidly during the Middle Ages, driven largely by farmers reclaiming marshes, building embankments, and, in some cases, property owners pushing into the river for coveted waterfront land. Yet, amidst the sprawling urban jungle, there exists a peaceful haven—a nature reserve that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Welcome to the London Wetland Centre.

On 2 September 2016, it will be exactly 350 years since the catastrophic Great Fire of London started in Thomas Farynor's bakery in Pudding Lane. The fire raged for four days, destroying 13,200 homes and leaving 65,000 people homeless. The speed at which London recovered, and the way it did so, laid the foundations for the global city we know today.