The old lawn tennis court in the northwest corner of West Harrow Recreation Ground has been sown with a wildflower seed mix to create a wildlife area. The site provides access to nature in an area deficient in accessible wildlife sites.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Old Tennis Court, West Harrow Recreation Ground and Ridgeway Embankment
Borough: Harrow
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 1.25 ha
Description
Wildlife
Harrow Council's work has resulted in an attractive meadow, with wildflowers such as lady's bedstraw and bird's-foot-trefoil among a sward of tufted hair-grass. Additional wildflowers that may still survive from the seed mix include yellow rattle, cowslip and meadow crane's-bill. Common blue butterflies occur here, and it is also rich in grasshoppers. Scrub along the edge of the park beside the railway provides habitat for birds. The embankments of the road bridge carrying The Ridgeway over the railway line, add to the wildlife habitats of the area. The road verges comprise broad strips of scrub and trees, dominated by hawthorn and ash. These provide shelter for birds and other animals, including speckled wood butterflies. Standing decaying timber within the scrub provide habitat for fungi and invertebrates.Facilities
No information available
Grasshopper © Jason Gallier
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