Nature Reserves You Must Visit In London

It may be a surprise for many to hear that nearly half of London is comprised of green space. So much so that it’s classified as a forest according to the United Nations!

Part of this green space is made up of nature reserves too. Protected areas of flora, fauna, or features of geological interest. These reserves are managed for purposes of conservation and help provide special opportunities for study or research.

Nature reserves In London

There are some well-known nature reserves in London such as Epping Forest and the Walthamstow Wetlands, but there are also some real hidden gems. Here are four natures reserves in London you may not have heard about:

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Oxleas Woodlands

This wonderful designated ancient woodland in Eltham in the Royal Borough of Greenwich has parts which date back over 8,000 years to the end of the last Ice Age. On the south side of Shooter’s Hill, the trio of woods covers 77 hectares including Castle Wood and Jack Wood.

Highlights include the gothic Grade II listed 18th century, Severndroog Castle. The folly tower boasts 360-degree views over London, a café, a terraced garden, a rose garden and an outdoor gym.

Oxleas Woodlands | Crown Woods Lane | London| SE18 3JA

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Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

The medieval marshes in the east of London adjacent to the Thames Estuary in Purfleet were closed to the public for over 100 years. Privately owned by the Ministry of Defence and used as a shooting range, the site officially opened to the public in 2006.

Within its 1,000 acres, all manner of wildlife can be spotted like kingfishers, egrets, lapwings, wood pigeons, swifts, robins, and dragonflies to name a few.

Rainham Marshes has a lot to offer and is a great way to reconnect with nature. There’s an innovative visitor centre and plenty of events and walks designed for families. After all the exploring you can pop to the cafe to enjoy a well-earned brew! All the reserve paths and boardwalks are family, wheelchair and dog friendly, so it makes the perfect escape from the city for all.

RSPB Rainham Marshes | New Tank Hill Rd | Purfleet | RM19 1SZ

Crane Park Island

Crane Park Island is the site of the once-notorious Hounslow Gunpowder Mills. Surrounded by the river in Whitton near Twickenham, the reserve is a mosaic of woodland, scrub, ponds and reedbeds which have taken over the industrial area from the mid-20th century. The river island is rich in fish, small mammals and birdlife.

The Shot Tower at the entrance is a Grade II listed building formerly used for lead manufacture. Restored in 2004 by the Trust, it’s now a visitor centre, with an exhibition, education rooms and a fifth-floor viewing area. This nature reserve in London is open to the public at all times but the visitor centre is only open on Sundays 1.30 pm – 4 pm and for special events.

Crane Park Island | Ellerman Ave | London | TW2 6AA

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Selsdon Wood Nature RESERVE

This large ancient woodland is located in the London Borough of Croydon and is commonly known as the Bird Sanctuary. The 200 acres of countryside is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Spring brings a carpet of anemones, followed by bluebells. The summer green leaves keep it shady and cool. In autumn it’s bursting with blackberries, fungi, nuts and the most colourful leaves. And in winter the snow makes it a magical wonderland.

Around a quarter of the area is an open field, crisscrossed by paths. The rest is ancient woodland, dominated by oak trees with areas of coppiced hazel. It is home to deer, foxes, badgers, squirrels and over 100 different species of bird.

Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve | Old Farleigh Road | Selsdon | London | CR2 8QW

Have you been to any of the Nature Reserves in London that I’ve mentioned? Please let me know of any others you enjoy in the comments box below.

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