Local Wildlife Site

Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

Oxleas Meadow
Borough: Greenwich
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 10.41 ha

Description

This sizeable meadow separates the ancient woodlands of Oxleas Wood and Jackwood (see Shooters Hill Woodlands), with fine views across south-east London. The meadow is included within a Local Nature Reserve. There are council-organised walks in the area and The Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring pass across the top of the site.

Wildlife

The site slopes steeply to the south and contains predominately grassland, although there is an old hedge running through the southern part of the meadow. The most diverse grassland lies towards the south-west of the site and features abundant common knapweed, bird's-foot-trefoil and lesser stitchwort, crested dog's-tail and meadow barley. Grass vetchling, which is scarce in London, also occurs here. The rest of the grassland is less herb-rich, though there is a good diversity of grasses throughout. There are small areas of acid grassland, dominated by red fescue, early hair-grass and sheep's sorrel, near the top of the slope. The old hedge is made up of common and Midland hawthorns.

Facilities

Information; car parking; toilet; refreshments; organised walks; waymarked walking routes
Grass vetchling © Dave Dawson

Grass vetchling © Dave Dawson

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More information on GiGL’s SINC dataset can be found here.

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