Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The targeted biodiversity areas on site have been situated to form a wildlife corridor running along the western and southern boundaries of the site, augmenting the woodland of the Jubilee Line railsides. The western boundary biodiversity area is a mosaic of plantation woodland. Around it is a species rich grassland area with apparently a species rich meadow to the north and a more ruderal vegetation to the east. Both these areas have been sown, but there are also species which have self-seeded in to diversify the grassland further. The meadow is typically dominated by grass species with a long list of wildflowers occurring frequently throughout. There is little to no bare ground. The more ruderal vegetation has many of the meadow species, particularly the legumes, but some are less frequent and give way to species of disturbed ground such as ribbed mellilot, teasel and smooth sow thistle. There is also a large amount of bare ground between plants and the ground appeared to be strongly compacted. Running along the boundary to the railway is a woodland belt approximately 20m. Semi-mature ash, Lombardy poplar and other poplar species are present, and self-sown ash and sycamore saplings are frequent in the understory with bramble and dog rose. Creeping thistle, broad-leaved dock, hedge bindweed and black horehound fill the gaps between the trees. Conspicuous on the side of the path are a number of Viper's-Bugloss plants. This area is immensely valuable for wildlife as it is developing naturally; its interest will evolve as it develops. The rest of the park is laid to amenity grassland with formal hard and soft landscaping. Reptiles, birds, invertebrate (including stag beetle) and foraging bats are potentially supported by habitat on site.

Facilities

Children’s play area; playing field; seats; picnic area; outdoor auditorium; outdoor gym