Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

Neutral grassland is mostly dominated by false oat-grass and includes scattered wildflowers such as horse radish, mugwort, nettle and tufted vetch as well as white clover, yarrow and various docks. Rye-grass and ruderal vegetation is present along informal paths and there is a scattering of scrub, particularly in the west. Though poor in plant species these areas support a high density of invertebrates, including a range of common butterflies, and are important for small mammals that in turn support a number of kestrel. The large western grassland has a population of common lizards. Towards the eastern boundary with Ingrebourne Marshes is a narrow band of more acid grassland, tracing the underlying gravel subsoil left by old workings. Here the grass is dominated by common bent and red fescue, with wildflowers such as s bird's-foot-trefoil and hare's-foot clover. There are also areas of broom and gorse scrub and large patches of sheep's sorrel on steep gravely slopes. The extensive areas of planted woodland include a wide range of native species and there are two small ponds that could be restored to benefit dragonflies, and a much larger fishing lake that attracts a range of common waterfowl. The country park is very important for its birds and insects. Breeding birds include the nationally declining species grasshopper warbler, skylark, yellowhammer, meadow pipit and willow warbler. The rare species long-eared owl, marsh warbler and lesser redpoll are irregular breeders. A large number of rare and declining insects are found on the site. These include the brown-banded carder-bee, the five-banded weevil-wasp, and the picture-winged fly; this is the only known London site for the latter two species.

Facilities

Information; car parking; playground; walking routes; visitor centre; toilets; café