Created by the council in 1989, the Sutton Ecology Centre grounds provide a haven for wildlife. There is a range of habitats, designed to support as wide a variety of animals as possible. To the south of the Ecology Centre buildings is the old course of the River Wandle, now usually dry. Beyond there is the equally dry Margaret’s Pool. In combination with the adjacent Carshalton Ponds, Grove Park, All Saints Churchyard and Heritage Centre, the Sutton Ecology Centre is a rewarding place to visit all year round.Sutton Ecology Centre is a Local Nature Reserve, and runs both formal and informal educational programmes for children and adults. A list of current activities can be found on its website (see related link).
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Sutton Ecology Centre
Borough: Sutton
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 2.21 ha
Description
Wildlife
The former riverbed still supports yellow flag iris. Nearby is a magnificent London plane, listed as one of the Great Trees of London. Margaret's Pool supports several species of dragonfly and damselfly, including common blue and large red damselflies, common darter, broad-bodied chaser, emperor and brown hawker.Around Margaret's Pool is woodland of sycamore and ash. The ground flora here includes dog's mercury, ramsons, Abraham-Isaac-Jacob, and pendulous sedge in the damper areas.Facilities
Information (including libraries and classroom); nature trail; disabled only car parking; partial disabled access; picnic area; toilet (including disabled toilet).
Wetland at the Sutton Ecology Centre © L B Sutton
Sutton Ecology Centre, with the registered London plane tree © Richard Barnes
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