Danson is a large and very popular public park with recreational facilities. The park was originally set out as a private estate for Danson House and its design has been attributed to Capability Brown and his protégé, Nathaniel Richmond. The park itself is Grade II listed, and Danson House is Grade I listed. The house is used as the Registry Office for Bexley and also has a tearoom. The park regularly plays host to a long list of large public events, such as open-air concerts, firework displays and shows. Bexley Primary Care Trust’s Stepping Out walks programme uses this site as part of a Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Danson Park
Borough: Bexley
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 68.67 ha
Description
Wildlife
The site's wildlife value centres on the lake and the associated alder and willow woodland in boggy soils, as well as some remnants of drier woodland. The banks of the lake support populations of watercress, pendulous sedge, hard rush and gipsywort. Plants notable for London include brooklime, sea club-rush and oval sedge. The surrounding wet woodland is a rare habitat in London. The lake and surrounding area support breeding mallard, great crested grebe, tufted duck coot and moorhen. In winter, pochard, shoveler, gadwall, redwing, fieldfare and kingfisher visit the site. The remnants of drier woodland support plants such as bluebell and violets. The woodland and grass areas support birds such as nuthatch, greater-spotted and green woodpecker and spotted flycatcher. In addition, the site is home to a number of butterflies, including speckled wood, meadow brown and tortoiseshell. In 2016 it was noted that there was a need to eradicate invasive non-native Himalayan Balsam on the southern margin of the lake, and part of the grassland north of the road was in danger of deterioration due to its use as an overflow parking area.Facilities
Bowling green; tennis court; football pitch; sailing; cycle paths; fishing; outdoor gym; accessible entrance; toilets; car parking; disabled facilities; information; café; restaurant; playground; historic features; recycling facilities; events
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