Since the original Wembley Stadium has been demolished, Herne Hill Velodrome is the last remaining venue from the 1948 London Olympic Games that is still in active use. It is one of the best cycling tracks in the United Kingdom. The velodrome is owned by the Dulwich Estate, and managed on a day-to-day basis by VC Londres Cycling Club. There is access when the playing fields and stadium are open for events, as well as in the summer months when it is open most weekday evenings and weekends, with some of the paths being used for off-road riding. In winter it is generally only open on Saturdays.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Herne Hill Stadium
Borough: Southwark
Grade: Local
Access: Access at limited times
Area: 8.33 ha
Description
Wildlife
The most interesting part of the site for nature conservation is a sizeable area of land along the south western boundary of the velodrome, mostly consisting of roughland with smaller areas of non-native sycamore woodland to the north-west. The mosaic of habitats are likely to provide foraging and refuge for invertebrates (particularly butterflies), nesting birds, hedgehogs and common reptile species. Stag beetles have also been recorded on site. Notable bird species include lesser spotted woodpecker, hobby, meadow pipet, common and mistle thrush and willow warbler. A wide range of perennial, ephemeral and ruderal species are present including scrub and scattered trees, which may meet the criteria to be counted as open mosaic habitat on previously developed land. The site is located adjacent to Grove Park Cuttings and Peckham Rye to East Dulwich Railsides Borough II SINC site and may provide additional foraging habitat for bats.Facilities
No information available
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