Devonshire Avenue Nature Area facts for kids
The Devonshire Avenue Nature Area is a special green space in South Sutton, part of the London Borough of Sutton. It's a small but important area, covering about 0.4 hectares, which is roughly the size of half a football field!
This area is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a place where nature is protected and people can visit to enjoy it. It's also listed as a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II," showing how valuable it is for local wildlife. Sutton Council owns this land, and it's looked after by the Council and a group of dedicated volunteers called the Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers.
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What is the Devonshire Avenue Nature Area?
This nature area is a protected space where plants and animals can thrive. It's a great example of how a small piece of land can be turned into a home for nature, even in a busy city.
A Look Back: The History of the Area
Before it became a nature reserve, this spot had a different past. During the Second World War, three houses that stood here were sadly bombed. After the war, the damaged buildings were cleared away. For many years, the open space became an informal playground where local children could play.
Then, in the early 1990s, the Sutton Council decided to transform the area. They wanted to create a special place for nature conservation. This meant turning the old playground into a habitat where plants and animals could live safely.
What Can You Discover Here?
The Devonshire Avenue Nature Area is home to different types of natural habitats. Most of the site is covered in neutral grassland. This is a common type of grassy area that supports many different plants.
However, you can also find patches of chalk grassland. This is a rarer type of grassland that grows on chalky soil and is home to unique plants. There are also areas with scrub (bushes and small trees) and larger trees, providing shelter and food for wildlife.
Special Wildlife to Spot
Keep an eye out for some interesting creatures and plants when you visit!
- Small Blue Butterfly: One of the most exciting finds here is the small blue butterfly. This tiny, beautiful butterfly is quite rare in the Sutton area, making its presence here very special.
- Unique Plants: The nature area also protects some important plants. These include the ivy broomrape, which is nationally scarce (meaning it's rare across the country). You might also spot kidney vetch and bird's-foot trefoil, which are important food sources for insects, including the small blue butterfly.
Where to Find This Nature Spot
The Devonshire Avenue Nature Area is easy to find. It's located right at the corner where Devonshire Avenue meets Devonshire Road in South Sutton. It's a perfect place for a quiet walk and to connect with nature.
