Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The lake's large size is of value to water birds including various gull species, mallard, pochard, cormorant, common tern, shoveler, coot, mute swan, great crested grebe and tufted duck. A large fish population includes bream, carp, perch and eels. Extending south-east from Southmere Park is Woodland Way, an area of woodland of hybrid black-poplar and black poplar. The hybrid poplars are gradually being replaced by native trees, using appropriate mixes for the wet and drier areas. Much of the woodland is wet and follows the line of an old ditch. Additionally there are some small areas of semi-improved neutral grassland supporting a good mix of wildflowers that incudes ox-eye daisy, field scabious and agrimony. South of the lake a narrow corridor of predominantly amenity grassland and mature scattered trees known as Abbey Way links the site to Lesnes Abbey Wood to the south.

Facilities

Toilets; car parking; walking route