Top Wildlife Sites in London
Spring is coming. So get yourself outdoors. London isn't all grey smoke and concrete there's some great places to reconnect with nature and all things green.
Ok, so it may not quite feel like it but Spring is coming. The morning frosts will soon be a thing of the past and getting out of bed in the mornings won't seem so much of a chore. There's even been predictions that this summer is going to be hot, so don't spend it indoors.
London's Secret Green Spaces
We've already written about the perks of London's top parks, they're great and free and you can find out more here. We won't be mentioning them in here as altough they're great wildlife sites we want to tell you about the lesser known ones that have been hiding amongst London's urban jungle.
Green Chain Walk
Where - South East London
Nearest Public Transport - Various
South east London is most definitely the greenest part of London and you can explore it using the Green Chain, this is an interlinking 40 mile network of footpaths that will take you on a journey through woodlands, farms and beautiful green spaces without having to leave London. These walks are suitable for most people and are completely free.
Epping Forest
Where - North East Greater London and Essex
Nearest Public Transport - Various
Epping Forest is an area of 6,000+ acres of land that contains ancient woodlands, heaths, bogs and over 100 lakes and ponds. It is one of London's 3 Special Areas for Conservation and areas are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There's much to do here and is very popular with cyclists, ramblers, horse riders.
There's a multitude of tourist attractions in the area To cater for it's many visitors, there are not one, not two but three visitor centres. These are; Epping Forest Gateway in Chingford, The High Beach Visitors Centre in High Beach and The Temple in Wanstead Park
Chislehurst Caves
Where - Chislehurst, South East London
Nearest Public Transport - Chislehurst Train Station
Ok so this doesn't really fall into the wildlife category but there will be bats here! This is one of London's best kept secrets and is an unusual day out that won't cost the earth. Chislehurst Caves are actually a 22 mile network of underground tunnels that were originally used as flint and chalk mines. There's a very interesting theory put forward by William Nichols who was vice president of the British Archaeological Association that Chislehurst Caves were originally excavated by Druids, Saxons and Romans.
Chislehurst Caves has a rich and varied history. In World War One they served as an ammunitions depot, an air raid shelter in World War Two and amazingly a music venue. During the hedonistic sixties Chislehurst Caves was literally an underground music venue attracting musical legends such as David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Status Quo, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
WWT London Wetland Centre
Where - South West London
Nearest Public Transport - Barnes Train Station
Described as an urban oasis for wildlife and people, London Wetland Centre is a must see for those in need of recharging their batteries. This little piece of tranquillity is just ten minutes from Hammersmith. There's plenty to see and do here and is child friendly. You can stroll along lakes and ponds, relax in the gardens and take in the great views of London. This place is home to many species of birds, some of which are rare and otters. You can view them from the heated observatory if it's cold and raining.
http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/
Wimbledon Common
Where - South West London
Nearest Public Transport - Wimbledon Station
Located in south west London, Wimbledon Common is a great refuge from modern city life. Comprised of three different areas known as Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common. It is an impressive 1,140 acres of rural calm that is comprised of woodland, scrubland, heathland and ponds providing a home for many animals, birds and plant species. There's plenty to do Wimbledon Common also boasts an 18 hole golf course, various cricket pitches, areas for horse riding as well as playing fields for football and rugby.
Camley Street Natural Park
Where - Central London
Nearest Public Transport - King's Cross Station
This little gem is located in the heart of central London by King's Cross. Camley Street Natural Park is a nature reserve and takes up two acres of land and is located along the banks of Regent's canal. Despite its size Camley Park Natural Park offers a range of habitats to enjoy such as woodlands, wetlands, meadows and ponds, making not just a place to relax in but a home for many species of animals, plants, insects, amphibians and birds.
http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/reserves/camley-street-natural-park
Queens Wood
Where - North London
Nearest Public Transport - Highgate Tube Station
Located in Muswell Hill, North London is Queen's wood, a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conversation. This is an large area of 52 acres of ancient woodland that was once part of the Forest of Middlesex which has been mentioned in the Domesday book.
www.fqw.org.uk
If you would like to do your bit for London's Wildlife why not take out a subscription to London Wildlife Trust who manage and preserve 50 wildlife sites throughout London. It's only £2.50 a month, less than the price of a coffee these days.
