Belsize Wood facts for kids
Belsize Wood is a special green space in Belsize Park, London. It's known as a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife. This small woodland, about the size of a football field (0.7 hectares), is located in the London Borough of Camden.
The wood is on a steep slope and is split into two main areas. The northern part is always open for everyone to visit. The southern part is more important for nature and is only open on weekends. A public path separates these two sections, running between Lawn Road and Aspern Grove. The local council, Camden Council, takes care of Belsize Wood.
A Look Back: History of Belsize Wood
This woodland has an interesting past! Long ago, in the 1860s, a railway company called the Midland Railway owned this land. They built a railway tunnel right underneath the wood. You can still see a railway ventilation shaft in the north-west corner, which helps air move through the tunnel.
Later, in 1948, British Rail rented out the land. It was used for different things, like tennis courts where people played sports, and even nursery gardens where plants were grown.
In 1971, Camden Council bought the land. In the 1980s, they built homes called the Russell Nurseries housing estate on one side. But they decided to leave the eastern part untouched. This untouched area then grew into the beautiful nature reserve we see today. The famous Isokon building, a cool modern building, is also very close to Belsize Wood.
Wildlife in Belsize Wood
Even though Belsize Wood is often shady, it's home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's especially rich in insects, which love the cool, damp environment.
The lower parts of the wood are filled with plants like hawthorn and elder bushes. These provide great shelter and food for wildlife. Looking up, you'll see tall trees like ash, sycamore, and Swedish whitebeam.
Closer to the ground, you might spot interesting plants such as butcher's-broom and enchanter's-nightshade. Of course, there are also nettles! Many common birds also build their nests here, making it a lively place for nature.
