This site is made up of two adjoining blocks of woodland, which have an interesting mix of birds and wildflowers. It also includes part of an adjoining field with remnant chalk grassland. There are fine views from the edge of the woodland northeastward, taking in the City of London, Canary Wharf and the Crystal Palace ridge.The woods are a Local Nature Reserve, and are managed by the Woodland Trust.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Ruffett, Big Wood and adjacent meadow
Borough: Sutton
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 9.31 ha
Description
Wildlife
Big Wood is dominated by tall sycamore trees, with occasional large beeches and ash. The shrub layer includes holly and rowan. Bluebells create an impressive show in the spring, with small areas also containing the elegant naturalised plant, martagon lily. Ruffett Wood has more ash trees and some old wild cherry and a few mature elms, with hazel coppice dominating the shrub layer, now actively managed by volunteers. The ground flora is quite varied, including sanicle, wood sedge, wall lettuce, nettle-leaved bellflower and more bluebells. Parts of the adjacent private horse-grazed field have an interesting mix of wildflowers, including common knapweed, field scabious, wild parsnip and agrimony.Woodland birds are common here, including chiffchaff.Facilities
No information available
Martagon lily © Mike Waite
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