Downham Woodland Walk facts for kids
Downham Woodland Walk is a special green space in Downham, a part of London. It's like a long, narrow park where you can enjoy nature. This area is also a local nature reserve, which means it's protected because of its important plants and animals. The London Borough of Lewisham owns and takes care of this lovely walk.
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What Makes Downham Woodland Walk Special?
This walk is considered a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1." This fancy name just means it's a really important place for nature in the local area. It has unique plants and animals that need to be protected.
A Walk Through Time
The Downham Woodland Walk has been around for a long time, even before the 1900s! When the Downham housing estate was built in the 1920s, this green space became super important for the people living nearby. It gave them a place to relax and connect with nature.
Part of the walk, between Moorside Road and Downderry Road, was already there in 1805. This older section has some special plants that tell us it's an ancient woodland. These plants include the beautiful wood anemone and dog's mercury. These plants usually grow in very old forests.
The part of the walk west of Downderry Road is a bit narrower. It doesn't have as many different kinds of plants, but it's still a nice place to explore.
Who Lives Here?
Downham Woodland Walk is home to many different birds. It also has some rare insects that you might not see often! For example, there's a cool leaf beetle called Chrysolina oricalcia. There's also a special ant called Lasius brunneus.
If you look closely at the hawthorn bushes, you might spot a nationally rare jewel beetle called Agrilus sinuatus. These tiny creatures add to the amazing variety of life in the park.
Finding Your Way Around
The walk starts in the west from Moorside Road, right across from Undershaw Road. It then crosses Downderry Road. After that, it turns south towards Oakridge Road. Finally, it runs west again to finish at the corner of Oakridge Road and Bromley Road. It's a great place for a peaceful stroll!
