This public park is next to the River Thames, close to the boundary with Richmond-upon-Thames where it continues as Ham Lands. Royal Park Gate Open Space consists of scrub, trees and a significant area of semi-improved neutral grassland, where patches of rough grassland are interspersed with frequently mown grass paths.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Royal Park Gate Open Space
Borough: Kingston upon Thames
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 1.55 ha
Description
Wildlife
The diverse grassland flora includes grass vetchling, meadow buttercup and oxeye daisy, and it is likely that seeding with a 'meadow mix' has occurred in the past. The western boundary is marked by a strip of scrub including bramble, trees such as aspen and a variety of tall herbs. A range of birds such as whitethroat and goldfinch are found at the site, as is the scarce and exotic-looking rose-chafer beetle. Near the boundary with Richmond, the grassland is bordered by scrub of hawthorn, and jackdaw and mistle thrush can be seen here.Facilities
Cycle paths; Playground.
Rose-chafer beetles © Mike Waite
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