Perivale Wood facts for kids
Perivale Wood is a special place in Perivale, located in the London Borough of Ealing. It's an 11.6-hectare area of nature that is protected as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This means it's a place where local wildlife and plants are looked after and kept safe. It's also considered a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, which means it's very important for nature in the whole London area.
Perivale Wood is one of the oldest nature reserves in Britain! It has been carefully managed for over a century.
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Discover Perivale Wood
Perivale Wood is a wonderful example of an old oak woodland. Imagine tall, ancient oak trees creating a shady canopy! But it's not just trees. The reserve also has open grassy areas called pastures, and damp, bushy spots known as scrubland.
Watery Worlds
Inside the wood, you'll find three ponds and two small streams. These watery areas are super important for many animals and plants. They provide homes, drinking water, and hunting grounds for different creatures.
Amazing Wildlife
Perivale Wood is bursting with life! Scientists and nature lovers have recorded many different species living here.
- Plants: You can find interesting plants like the adders tongue fern.
- Insects: There are records of an incredible 568 different types of moths!
- Mammals: At least 17 kinds of mammals call this wood home.
- Birds: Birdwatchers have spotted 115 different species of birds flying through the trees or nesting in the branches.
This rich variety of life shows how important it is to protect places like Perivale Wood.
Who Looks After Perivale Wood?
Perivale Wood has been cared for by a group called the Selborne Society since 1902. That's a very long time!
- Early Days: When they first started, the Selborne Society looked after the wood mainly as a bird sanctuary. This meant it was a safe place for birds to live and raise their young.
- Leasing and Buying: In 1914, the society leased the land, which means they rented it. Then, in 1923, they were able to buy the wood, making sure it would be protected forever.
- Official Protection: The wood officially became a Local Nature Reserve in 1974. This gave it special legal protection to keep its natural beauty and wildlife safe.
The Selborne Society was first started in 1885 to honor a famous naturalist named Gilbert White. While it used to be a national group, today its main focus is looking after Perivale Wood.
Visiting Perivale Wood
Perivale Wood is a special place, and its entrance in Sunley Gardens is usually kept locked. This helps protect the delicate environment and its wildlife. However, the reserve does have an open day once a year! This usually happens on a Sunday in April. It's a great chance for people to explore this amazing natural space and learn about its importance.
