Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

This Local Nature Reserve has been developed on the site of former burial ground. The most interesting part of this small park from an ecological standpoint is the eastern flank, which has been developed as a 'wildlife area'. This was designed by the London Ecology Unit for both educational and informal, recreational use. It contains a mixture of meadow and woodland habitats, with associated communities of tall grasses and herbs. In open sunny areas creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) tends to dominate, with meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) also frequent. In areas of dappled light cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) becomes dominant, with meadow buttercup, occasional red campion (Silene dioica) and ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). In the shadiest north-east corner common nettle (Urtica dioica) becomes dominant, with cow parsley, green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) and occasional wood avens (Geum urbanum). In shady spots, especially towards the south-east boundary, the locally uncommon grey sedge (Carex divulsa) occurs. Since its creation, a small fern garden and picnic area has been introduced to the park adjacent to the Local Nature Reserve. Most of the trees from the original graveyard have been left in place including several pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur), an evergreen oak (Q. ilex) and London planes (Platanus x hispanica). A hedge of native species, including hazel (Corylus avellana), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and field maple (Acer campestere), has been planted along part of the eastern boundary. Nectar-rich plants including lavender (Lavandula sp.), buddleia (Buddleja davidii), hedge-veronica (Hebe sp.) and stonecrops (Sedum spp.) form a colourful feature near the entrance from the main park. A few wild flowers have been introduced including betony (Stachys officinalis), common vetch (Vicia sativa) and bugle (Ajuga reptans). An attractive birdbath has been erected together with bird and bat boxes.Log piles have also been provided. The park as a whole has been recognised as one of the best small open spaces in inner London for birds, with blackbird, robin, wren, blue tit, dunnock and woodpigeon regularly nesting in or around the site, and song thrush occasionally nesting. The tall grass community provides good autumn feeding habitat for seed-eating birds, with goldfinch regularly recorded. St John's Wood Church Grounds won a Green Flag Award again for 2006/7.