Sydenham Wells Park contains a number of valuable wildlife habitats. In the south of the park is a complicated water feature, where an artificial stream, apparently created as a model of the River Rhine, runs through a series of small narrow pools and a larger lake. Sydenham Wells Park won a Green Flag Award again for 20089. Lewisham Health Walks project uses this site – a Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme; see link for details.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Sydenham Wells Park
Borough: Lewisham
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 7.99 ha
Description
Wildlife
The stream is lined with yellow iris, gypsywort, pendulous sedge, hard rush, watercress and purple loosestrife. There is an island in the lake overhung with weeping willows. This provides a safe nesting site for waterfowl, including mallard, moorhen, coot, Canada goose, and in some years, tufted duck. Other occasional visitors to the lake include pochard.There are plenty of mature trees in the park, including some old pedunculate oaks, which are possibly relics of the Great North Wood that once covered the area. Additionally, the site is blessed with an abundance of dense shrubberies. The park boasts a good range of birds such as house sparrow, blackcap, coal tit and chaffinch.Facilities
Information; toilet; Playgrounds; Refreshments.
Canada goose © Jason Gallier
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