Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The cricket field has a number of mature trees, some scrub and neutral grassland on its perimeter. Trees and shrubs include sycamore, hybrid black poplar, Lombardy poplar, white willow, oak, yew, plum and hawthorn. Cow parsley, common nettle, ribwort plantain and various grasses grow below the trees.The wildlife area is centred on the River Quaggy. The river channel was restored here in 2002, when it was taken out of its former concrete ditch and returned to a more natural series of meanders, pools and marshy areas. Neutral grassland and stands of tall plants grow in the drier parts. A good variety of wetland plants have been introduced, such as water plantain, fool's watercress, pendulous sedge, great willowherb, reed sweet-grass, yellow iris and water mint.The wildlife area has also been seeded with wildflowers, many of which are well established. These include wild carrot, teasel, oxeye daisy, salad burnet and perennial cornflower. There are also a few plants of butterbur here, an uncommon species in London which may have colonised naturally. A variety of trees and shrubs (mostly wetland species) have been planted, including alder and various willows.The river and wetlands support a variety of insects (particularly dragonflies and damselflies), some fish and native amphibians.The southern part of Chinbrook Meadows is characterised by long lines of poplar trees. Other trees and shrubs include lime, plum, bramble, hawthorn, pin oak and various maples. The mowing regime has been relaxed over a large part of this area, allowing it to support more wildlife. This part of the site is used less by the public and supports a rich birdlife, including jay, chiffchaff, chaffinch, green woodpecker and abundant house sparrows.

Facilities

Information; car parking; toilet including disabled facilities; playground. The footpath running across the site forms part of the South-east London Green Chain Walk and the Capital Ring. The park is patrolled by on-site park keepers.