Wild Foxes Occupy Rooftop Garden of Google’s £1bn London HQ

Urban foxes have taken up residence in the rooftop garden of Google's new £1 billion London headquarters in King's Cross, an 11-story 'landscraper' designed by Thomas Heatherwick and set to accommodate 7,000 employees. The foxes have been digging burrows, sunbathing, and leaving droppings across the landscaped roof space, which covers several floors and features 250 trees and extensive soil. Google acknowledges the fox sightings as common at construction sites and states the impact on building work has been minimal. However, animal welfare advocates criticize media descriptions labeling the foxes as 'pests' or part of an 'infestation,' emphasizing their protected status under UK law and ecological importance. Pest control experts note that foxes thrive on rodents such as rats around the site and may be attracted by food left behind at nearby construction areas or businesses. Despite the presence of foxes, the company plans to move into the office by year-end, with officials highlighting London's urban environment as a natural habitat for these wild animals.