This rich and varied site follows the River Ravensbourne’s course for over four kilometres, from its source at Keston Ponds to Hayes Lane just south of Bromley town centre. It is part of a composite Metropolitan site, connected with Hayes, West Wickham and Keston Commons. This section of the site includes the river itself, a group of diverse ancient woodlands, some species-rich neutral grasslands and various wetland habitats. Ravensbourne Meadows is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are freely accessible. The river and nearby woodlands may be appreciated from adjacent footpaths, bridges and roads.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
River Ravensbourne, Ravensbourne Valley Woodlands, Hayes and Keston Commons
Borough: Bromley
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (Hayes Common, West Wickham Common and Keston Common). View from adjacent roads/footpaths (The River Ravensbourne and the nearby woodlands)
Area: 215.61 ha
Description
Wildlife
The river's course over most of this length appears to be natural. Brook, Fishers, Scrogginhall and Barnet Woods are all ancient floodplain woodlands mainly of alder and aspen, with some sessile oak furthest from the river. They are unusual for still being in active coppice management. The mature alder woodland of Woodcock Grove is particularly rich in plants. The smaller Fisher's Wood also contains coppiced alder. To the south, Padmall Wood is an ancient woodland of coppiced sweet chestnut with tall-grown oak. It also contains as diverse range of plants, including the uncommon lily-of-the-valley and Solomon's-seal. Ravensbourne Meadows are a series of herb-rich uncultivated fields, part of which are seasonally damp. Here further locally uncommon plants may be seen, including dyer's greenweed and in the wettest areas, an abundance of marsh-marigold.Facilities
Car parking.
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