This site is made up of two ancient woods and an area of grassland between them. These woods are immediately adjacent to the New Addington housing estate and are well used by local people. This was a Capital Woodlands project site, and through this project and Forestry Commission Funding, the London Borough of Croydon and Addington Conservation Team worked to improve security in the wood and raise awareness with the local community through events and activities.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Rowdown and Birch Wood
Borough: Croydon
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 28 ha
Description
Wildlife
The southernmost of the woods, Rowdown Wood, has a canopy of oak and ash, and hazel forms the coppiced understorey. There are a number of whitebeam trees, an uncommon tree in London. Although the ground is largely covered with ivy and thick brambles, there are interesting plants at ground level, including butcher's-broom, bluebell, wood anemone and moschatel. Birch Wood has a similar make up in the south with hawthorn and wayfaring-tree joining hazel in the understorey. Further north, birch becomes more dominant. Although of ancient origin, at least part of Birch Wood was cleared at some stage and the wood has regenerated. The area of grassland between the two woods is mown too frequently to have many species, but provides an open feeding space for both birds and butterflies. Butterflies found on the site include common blue, small and Essex skippers, meadow brown and, around the edges of the woods, holly blue and speckled wood.Facilities
No information available
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