3 nature reserves to visit this summer
© London Wildlife Trust
Summer is a great time to get outside and connect with nature, so why not take a lazy stroll through a wildflower meadow, spotting butterflies and bees, or amble alongside a river, hearing the sound of skylarks all around you? You might be surprised to discover that London is a remarkably green city, supporting a wide range of natural spaces that provide a home for all sorts of wildlife!
London Wildlife Trust cares for 36 urban nature reserves which are all free to enter. We’ve picked out three of our favourites for you to visit this summer.
London Wildlife Trust cares for 36 urban nature reserves which are all free to enter. We’ve picked out three of our favourites for you to visit this summer.
Location: Croydon, South London
A large area of secluded chalk grassland and woodland, Hutchinson’s Bank is a great reserve to find wildflowers, butterflies and orchids. It’s home to more than 100 species of moth and 28 species of butterfly - including the small blue and grizzled skipper. What’s more this reserve is located adjacent to our Threecorner Grove and Chapel Bank if you want to explore even more wildlife!
Species to spot:
- Pyramidal orchid
- Common-spotted orchid
- Kidney vetch
- Greater yellow-rattle
- Brown hairstreak butterfly
- Marbled white butterfly
- Small blue butterfly
- Glow-worm
- Badger
Braeburn Park
Photo credit: Simon Hawkins
A former orchard, quarry and landfill site, this once neglected area is today a thriving oasis that boasts several unusual and scarce insects.
The reserve is made up of several habitats including scrub, orchard, mature woodland, sandy banks, steep cliffs and grasslands. As a result, it’s a wonderful haven for wildflowers, reptiles and invertebrates.
Species to spot:
- Linnet
- Lesser whitethroat
- Kestrel
- Ivy bee
- Shrill carder bee
- Brimstone butterfly
- Pyramidal orchid
- Hare’s-foot clover
- Grass snake
- Common lizard
- Slow worm
Yeading Brook Meadows
© London Wildlife Trust
Location: Hillingdon, North West London
This large expanse of meadow is dominated by wildflowers and grasses that host an array of insect life. With the Yeading Brook running down the middle, this is a wonderful reserve to visit for a day out exploring along the river.
Species to spot:
- Skylark
- Snipe
- Hobby
- Roesel’s bush-cricket
- Meadowsweet
- Narrow-leaved water-dropwort
- Common-spotted orchid
- Grass snake
- Slow worm