Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

This large park has several valuable habitat features. The most important of these is the only remaining above-ground section of the River Peck and the most natural stream in the borough. The stream is heavily shaded by native, unmanaged wet woodland dominated by alder, ash and pedunculated oak with a ground cover of pendulous sedge and bramble. Alder dominated woodland is a rare habitat in Southwark. Although somewhat altered with weirs, other artificial structures and ornamental planting, some sections are still in their natural banks and includes yellow flag, watercress, water figwort and cuckooflower. The largest of three ponds supports marginal vegetation including hemp agrimony. A variety of waterfowl nest on the wooded island, including tufted duck, coot, Canada goose and mallard. Substantial flocks of gulls visit the park in winter and bats are likely to forage over the water. Small blocks of predominantly native woodland, mostly on the boundary between the Park and the Common, are dominated by oak and ash with a well-developed understory, but sparse ground flora. Spring bulbs have been planted in previous years. These and several dense shrubberies support a good bird population and small numbers of pipistrelle bats are present. Infrequently mown grassland is located in one large area and was seeded in 2009. It's composition includes giant fescue, ladies bedstraw, meadowsweet, black knapweed and wild carrot. The rest of the park consists of amenity grassland with some fine mature trees.

Facilities

Information; visitor centre; toilet; baby changing; disabled toilets; disabled access; picnic area; playgrounds