This site is mostly private school grounds with grass and woodland, but Coombe Wood is also included within this site. This is an attractive woodland garden open to the public, and it has retained a Green Flag award since 2008. Croydon Active Lifestyles project uses Coombe Wood as part of a Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Royal Russell School and Ballards Plantation
Borough: Croydon
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 38.82 ha
Description
Wildlife
This site overlies acid soils and is primarily of grassland being invaded by birch scrub. The northern part of the ridge has young regenerated woodland at the top and mature wooded parkland below. The complex of habitats here is very valuable for wildlife. There is a good breeding bird community, including great spotted woodpecker, coal tit, goldcrest and spotted flycatcher.Facilities
Cafe; toilets (in Coombe Wood)
Coal tit © Paul Glendell/English Nature
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