This large, attractively landscaped park is the grounds of Osterley House. The house was first built in 1576 but was extensively redesigned and rebuilt by Robert Adam between 1760 and 1780. At the same time the grounds were landscaped, transforming former woods, ponds and pasture into that which is seen today. The park has numerous features of wildlife interest, including veteran trees, areas of woodland and several water-bodies. The park includes an education centre and offers guided walks around the grounds.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Osterley Park
Borough: Hounslow
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 156.51 ha
Description
Wildlife
The parkland trees include some very old oaks, which are likely to be of considerable importance for insects, fungi and cavity-nesting birds. There are several areas of woodland, the most extensive being in the southwest of the park. These contain a wide variety of trees and shrubs, both native and exotic, and support good communities of common woodland birds. The park's three long lakes, North Lake, Garden Lake and Middle Lake, were created in the 1760s by joining and diverting existing lakes and streams. Plant life here includes cyperus sedge and great yellow-cress, both of which are scarce in London. Common wildfowl are present, as well as mandarin duck and Egyptian goose on the Garden Lake.Facilities
Information; education centre; car parking; cafe; toilets; disabled facilities; baby changing; historic features; guided walks
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