The grounds of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital host a complicated mosaic of wildlife habitats surrounding the hospital buildings, most notably remnants of ancient woodland and acid grassland, as well as some fine old trees. The south margin of the hospital site is included as part of the Pear Wood & Stanmore Country Park Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation due to the presence of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan species southern wood-ant. Planned redevelopment of this site will include targeted management to help conserve this species. Parts of the grounds are accessible to the public, as well as the hospital staff, patients and their visitors.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Grounds
Borough: Harrow
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 18.22 ha
Description
Wildlife
The nationally declining southern wood ant, which builds impressive mounded nests, can be found along the southern edge of the site. This site is the last stronghold for the insect in Greater London. This site also contains several plant species uncommon in London, including great horsetail, heath-grass, dittander, heath and wood speedwells, heather, common stork's-bill, fine-leaved sheep's-fescue, square-stalked St John's-wort, hairy wood-rush and oval sedge.Facilities
Information; toilets
Acid grassland flora © Mike Waite
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