Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

In drier woodland the ground-level vegetation is dominated by bluebell, with the locally scarce species early purple-orchid, lily-of-the-valley and butcher's-broom. In wetter areas cyperus sedge dominates.The edges of the eastern lake support a narrow fringe of common reed, with the London rarity fine-leaved water-dropwort and both species of reedmace (greater and lesser) together with their hybrid. The southern lake supports wetland plants that typically re-colonise wasteland areas. Here are many regionally uncommon species, including golden and marsh docks, common water-crowfoot and pink water-speedwell. The banks of the northern lake and the island within it support more woody vegetation, predominantly of willows.The breeding bird population includes all three British woodpeckers, little ringed plover, shelduck, pochard, lapwing and redshank. Running Water Brook supports the specially-protected water vole.

Facilities

Information (visitor information centre in the country park); fishing; shop; refreshments; toilets (including baby changing facilities); picnic and barbecue areas; car parking; nature trail.