Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve facts for kids
Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve is a special green space found in St Johns, a part of the London Borough of Lewisham. It's officially recognized as a local nature reserve, which means it's a place where nature is protected and can thrive. Even though it's small, it's an important home for many plants and animals right in the city!
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Discovering Brookmill Road Nature Reserve
This unique nature reserve sits on what used to be a railway line. Imagine trains rumbling through here years ago! It's located between Brookmill Road and the active railway line that runs from Lewisham to St Johns.
A Look Back: The Reserve's History
The railway that once ran here stopped operating a long time ago, in 1916. The tracks were removed in 1929, leaving behind an unused strip of land. Years later, in 1979, the Lewisham Council decided to buy this land. They wanted to turn it into a nature reserve. They worked together with the local group of the London Wildlife Trust to create the peaceful green space you see today.
What You Can Find Here
When the reserve was first created, it already had plants like bramble, ivy, and cow parsley growing naturally. Since then, more beautiful species have been planted to make it even richer in nature. You can now find plants like yellow archangel and wood anemone. The reserve also features three small ponds, which are perfect spots for insects and amphibians. There's even a stand of stag's-horn sumach trees, known for their unique, fuzzy branches.
Visiting the Reserve
It's important to know that the entrance to Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve is kept locked. This entrance is on Brookmill Road, located between Elverson Road and Albyn Road. Because it's a protected area, there is no public access to the reserve. This helps keep the plants and animals safe and undisturbed in their natural home.
