Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

Sweet chestnut and sessile oak dominate the older woodland, the extent of the oak being particularly unusual in London. The newer woods, on former heathland, are mainly birch as well as oak. The woodland supports a rich flora, including London rarities spurge laurel, southern woodrush and thin-spiked wood-sedge. Also in the woodland is wild daffodil, in perhaps its only native site in the capital – a spectacular sight in early spring.At both Lesnes Abbey Woods and Bostall Heath, small but significant areas of heathland remain containing heather and other characteristic plants. Short, dry turf around the Abbey ruins supports lesser chickweed, little mouse-ear, subterranean clover and London's only population of the nationally scarce plant, lesser calamint. The walls of the Abbey support further regionally uncommon plants, including rue-leaved saxifrage. Birds on the site include all three British woodpeckers, nuthatch and treecreeper. Reptiles include slow-worm and common lizard. The site also appears important for bats, including some rare species.

Facilities

Information; nature trails; disabled facilities; historic features; toilet; playground; basketball hoops; ornamental gardens; café; hall/classroom hire