Belmont Pastures facts for kids
Belmont Pastures is a special natural area in Belmont, a part of the London Borough of Sutton. It's like a small, protected park that covers about 1.3 hectares, which is roughly the size of two football fields! This area is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. It's also recognized as a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II," meaning it's a very important place for local wildlife and plants.
Sutton Council owns Belmont Pastures. They work with a group called Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers to take care of this beautiful space. Together, they make sure the plants and animals living there are safe and healthy.
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What Makes Belmont Pastures Special?
Belmont Pastures has a unique shape, like a long, narrow triangle. You can find it just north of the Belmont train station. This area used to be a meadow that belonged to Belmont Hospital a long time ago.
A Home for Wild Plants
The meadow at Belmont Pastures is a type of land called "unimproved chalk grassland." This means the soil is chalky, and people haven't changed it much over the years. Because of this, many common grasses and beautiful wild flowers grow here naturally. You might spot plants like:
- Common vetch, which has pretty purple flowers.
- Bladder campion, known for its puffy, balloon-like flowers.
- Common knapweed, a purple flower that looks a bit like a thistle.
A Haven for Insects
This rich variety of plants makes Belmont Pastures a perfect home for many small creatures, especially insects. It's a great place to see:
- Butterflies fluttering among the flowers.
- Grasshoppers jumping through the tall grass.
- Crickets chirping on warm days.
Trees and Hedges
Around the edges of the pasture, you'll find different types of plants that add to its natural beauty. On the eastern side, right next to the railway line, there's a thick hedge made of hawthorn bushes. On the western side, there's a lovely path lined with large trees, mostly horse chestnuts. These trees provide shade and shelter for many animals.
How to Visit Belmont Pastures
If you want to explore this nature reserve, you can find an entrance from Sevenoaks Close. It's a great spot to enjoy nature, watch insects, and learn about local plants.
