This large open parkland has a number of impressive veteran trees and some very fine hedgerows among its habitats, as well as the headwaters of the River Shuttle, with some wet ditches and a pond. The site is also noted for the Winter Garden, a large hothouse, arguably the best example of a Victorian conservatory in South London. There is also a rose garden here. The pond is managed as a nature reserve by the London Wildlife Trust. The Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring pass through the site and Greenwich Primary Care Trust’s Feet First walks programme uses this site as part of the Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Avery Hill Fields
Borough: Greenwich
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 36.43 ha
Description
Wildlife
The hedgerows on this site are the best in Greenwich borough. Many are very old, containing shrubs such as Midland hawthorn, hazel, field maple and dogwood, as well as younger oak and ash. Plants in the hedge bottoms include bluebell and lords-and-ladies. Purple hairstreak butterflies can be found on some of the oaks, and breeding birds include blackcap and whitethroat. Areas of scrub and secondary woodland add to the habitat diversity of the site. The River Shuttle and the wet ditches support brooklime, fool's watercress and water figwort. The LESSA pond, on the western edge of the site, is of considerable age and supports a range of wildlife, including frogs, toads and smooth newts.Facilities
Car parking; toilet; playground; café; waymarked walking route
LESSA Pond © London Wildlife Trust
LESSA Pond © London Wildlife Trust
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