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Introduction

We have declared a number of sites in Merton as local nature reserves (LNRs). We  focus on land recognised as being of importance for nature conservation interest, with open access for the public and either existing or potential value for environmental education.

The management plans included on this page are for historical reference only.

Map of Nature Reserves

 

Current nature reserves

We have declared 14 local nature reserves at the following locations.

Bennett's Hole

The reserve has a variety of habitats such as woodland, scrub, marsh, open ditch, tall herbs and rough land. The northern side of Bennett's Hill is dominated by a wide selection of amenity trees, while the south is home to a selection of semi-mature crack-willow and oak trees.

  • Protection Area - 12,088m²
  • Established - 1993

Cannon Hill Common

A collection of meadows and woodland. Meadows containing a collection of grasses including Meadow Barley, Meadow Foxtail, Perennial rye-grass, attracting a large number of butterfly species during July. The woodlands are formed much by old Oak trees, accompanied by a selection of Chestnut, Lime, Ash and Willow trees.

Cherry Wood

Dominated by pedunculate Oak, Ash and Horse Chestnut, Cherry Wood supports a wide range of species over a small area of land. The woods support over 25 species of bird and is home to the blue butterfly.

Cranmer Green

A varied area of preservation, a good mixture of woodland, maintained open areas with tree cover and pond.

Fishpond Wood / Beverley Meads

Adjacent to Warren Farm, Fishpond wood features wetlands surrounded by old oak-hazel woodland. The ponds support a wide variety of life such as frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies. Beverley Meads lies between Fishpond Wood and the south of the common and features a mixture of woodland and grasslands.

Lower Wandle

Mature trees line the banks of the river Wandle, forming strips of woodland lined with various trees, scrubs, herbs and patches of grassland. Home to a selection of mammals and bird specifies, which frequent the river.

Merton Green Walks

Surprisingly diverse site with a varied range of habitats and historical interest as well. it consists of woodland, grassland and scrub and is readily accessible.

Morden Park

Park rich with old oaks and woodlands, some of which are up to 300 years old. The woodland areas support green and great spotted woodpeckers, coal tit and spotted flycatcher bird species.

Myrna Close

Around 200 meters long, Myrna close is an important habitat for butterflies and birds alike, dominated by a mixture of elm, oak, sycamore, holly, dog-rose and crack willow.

Part of Ravensbury Park

Previously one large park, part of Ravensbury is now a nature reserve. Featuring a riverside walk along the Wandle. Supporting a good range of wetland bird species such as kingfishers and grey wagtails and good woodland coverage, the Ravensbury site provides a good mix of habitats for wildlife.

Pyl Brook Nature Reserve

Thick with mature hawthorn and elm scrub which line the north of the reserve adjacent to the Pyl Brook, with pockets of crack-willow, elder, blackthorn and bramble located in and around various clearings.

Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Wood

A triangular wood, up to 100 meters wide in places, with a wide selection of tree species. The wood features a wide range of bird which breed in the wood, their song can be enjoyed in peace and quiet in this tranquil location.

Oakleigh Way railway sidings

A mixture of grassland, tall herb communities and scrub, with sapling silver birch and established birch succeeding to flourish amongst the travelling-joy during autumn and winter.

  • Protection Area - 6,372m²
  • Established - 2000

Wandle meadow nature park

A site with a wealth of plant and life, including Hawthorn, Silver birch, Ash, Hazel, Field Maple, Dog-rose, Blackthorn and many more. Bodies of water are inhabited by a selection of frogs, toads and newts, with no permanent water reserves to provide fish populations.

 

Future nature reserves

We have identified other candidate sites that we hope to designate in the future.

Derwent Flood wash

The reserve has a variety of habitats such as woodland, scrub, marsh, open ditch, tall herbs and rough land. The northern side of Bennett's Hill is dominated by a wide selection of amenity trees, while the south is home to a selection of semi-mature crack-willow and oak trees.