A large area of mature parkland provides access to nature in the most urban part of Bromley borough. The park has a fascinating history and a wealth of areas of interest. It was originally created in 1854 as the permanent home of the Crystal Palace, when it moved there after hosting the 1851 exhibition. The Palace burnt down in 1936, but its site can still be seen in the park, as can the landscaping that was created around it. More recently, in the 1960s, the National Sports Centre was built in the centre of the park. It remains the venue for international athletics competitions and concerts. The building itself is Grade II* listed. The park boasts a number of nature habitats, despite its urban location and popularity. These include lakes, grassland, mature trees and scrub. Bromley: Walk for Life project uses part of this site as part of a Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme and the The Capital Ring and the Green Chain Walk pass through park.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Crystal Palace Park
Borough: Bromley
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 44.5 ha
Description
Wildlife
The main lake (the Lower Lake) is the most important site for waterfowl in the Borough of Bromley after Ruxley Gravel Pits. Breeding birds include great crested grebe, tufted duck, mallard, moorhen, coot and Canada goose. Scrub around the Intermediate Lake supports a colony of broad-leaved helleborine, which normally grows in ancient woods on chalk soils. The rest of the park contains some fine mature trees and supports a good range of breeding birds, including tawny owl, great spotted woodpecker, blackcap and goldcrest. The site is known to support at least seven species of bat.Facilities
Information; car parking; café, playground, toilets (throughout park); mini railway; dinosaur area; maze; museum; open-air performances; architecturally interesting building; walking routes
Roosting tawny owls © Nigel Reeve
Jay on bench © Andy Fisher
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