The council has committed to protecting two Rotherhithe nature reserves which have become a haven for wildlife.
Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park have both been given ‘local nature reserve’ status.
The areas, which total 11.72 hectares, were both created in the 1980s on the site of the former Surrey Docks.
They support a diversity of wildlife including bats, orchids, rare moths, and butterflies and many species of bird including breeding kingfishers and sparrow hawks.
Steve Cornish, chairman of Friends of Russia Dock Woodland, said: “Friends of Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecology Park are delighted to receive ‘local nature reserve’ status for both sites from Natural England.
“Creating habitats that attracts wildlife into our urban oasis in the middle of London takes a lot of effort over a long period of time.
“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this if it wasn’t for the experts in ecology and biodiversity at Stave Hill Ecology Park (The Conservation Volunteers), along with Southwark’s parks department. We now have to keep up the very high standards set by Natural England.”
Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for environment and public realm, added: “By designating the sites as local nature reserves, Southwark Council is committing to managing the area for the benefit of nature conservation and provide people experience of the natural environment.”