A unique mix of ancient woodland, Victorian garden plants (try and spot the monkey puzzle tree!) and recent woodland. A great place to see woodpeckers, rare insects, bats, and fungi.
The reserve
Combined with the adjacent Dulwich Wood, Sydenham Hill Wood forms the largest remaining tract of the old Great North Wood which once stretched from Deptford to Selhurst. In the 1870s large Victorian villas with extensive gardens were established on Sydenham Hill and the wood is now a unique mix of old woodland, Victorian garden survivors and recent woodland. The wood is home to over 200 species of trees and flowering plants including wild garlic, early dog violet and bugle. A multitude of fungi, rare insects, birds and elusive woodland mammals are also present. The London Wildlife Trust began managing the wood in 1982, and, with the determined support of local people, it remains a valuable reserve for the continued benefit of wildlife and the public. Cox's Walk is an old avenue lined with oaks that support nuthatch and green woodpecker.
Oak and hornbeam demonstrate the ancient woodland heritage of this site, and in the eastern part of the wood, garden relict trees are still present such as a cedar of Lebanon and a monkey puzzle tree. There is also a Victorian folly, once a garden ornament or conversation piece, now hidden deep in the middle of the wood. The Nunhead to Crystal Palace (Higher Level) railway line once passed through, and you can follow the trackbed up to a disused tunnel, now used as a roost by bats.
Habitats you'll see
Woodland
Species you might spot
Wild garlic, bluebells, wood anemones and bugle; nuthatch and green woodpecker; bats
What’s in my backyard?
Find out what species have been spotted on this reserve with the fantastic WIMBY tool, run by GiGL – Greenspace Information for Greater London.
Visit us
There are entrances on Crescent Wood Road, off Sydenham Hill, and on the junction of Lordship Lane and Dulwich Common (Cox's Walk)
Unstaffed
Open at all times
Map
School visits
Fancy arranging a school trip to this site? Our experienced staff can provide your class with a hands-on outdoor learning experience directly linked with the National Curriculum. Have a look at our education pages for more information.
Bat project
Sydenham Hill Wood is the home of the Woodland Bat Roost Project, funded by the SITA Trust with additional help and money from Southwark and Lewisham Councils. This project aims to improve the wood for bats, where at least five species of bat have been spotted. If you'd like to find out more about the bat project and how you can help, contact Chantal Brown at cbrown@wildlondon.org.uk
Site status
Status: Site of Metropolitan Importance, Local Nature Reserve.
Further site information can be found on:
