Raeburn Open Space facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raeburn Open Space |
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| Berrylands Nature Reserve | |
Path through Berrylands Nature Reserve along the Surbiton Stream
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Berrylands, Kingston |
| Area | 5 hectares (12 acres) |
| Designated | 1992 |
| Operated by | Kingston Council |
| Open | All year |
Raeburn Open Space, also known as Berrylands Nature Reserve, is a special natural area in Berrylands, London. It covers about 5 hectares (which is like 12 football fields!). This place is officially a Local Nature Reserve, meaning it's protected for its wildlife and nature.
Kingston Council owns and manages the reserve. However, many local people volunteer their time to help look after it. The reserve was made official in 1992. But it wasn't until 2017 that a community group started working hard to improve it.
Contents
Welcome to Berrylands Nature Reserve
Berrylands Nature Reserve is a long, narrow park. It follows the Tolworth Brook, which is also called the Surbiton Stream. This stream is super important for all the plants and animals living here.
What Makes This Place Special?
The reserve has different types of areas. You can find mown grass, wilder grassy spots, bushes, and woods. There are also very old hedges with many different native plants.
Lots of birds live here, like jays, stock doves, great spotted woodpeckers, and even kingfishers! You might also spot insects, such as the pretty ringlet butterfly.
Exploring the Reserve
The park is next to Berrylands Park to the south. Rose Walk is to the north, and Elmbridge Open Space is to the east.
You can enter the reserve from four main spots:
- Off Elmbridge Avenue
- From either end of Stirling Walk (off Grand Avenue and Raeburn Avenue)
- From Meldone Close
Helping Hands: The Restoration Project
In 2017, a group called the Environment Trust got money from Thames Water. This money was used to make the nature reserve even better over three years. This project was a big success! It encouraged many local people to help out.
Some of the work done included:
- Removing concrete from the stream's sides and bottom to make it more natural.
- Building a new wooden bridge. This created a path on the other side of the stream, connecting to an old concrete bridge.
- Digging a new pond for wildlife.
- Clearing out plants that don't belong there and can harm native plants.
- Regularly picking up litter.
- Doing other general conservation work.
Joining the Friends Group
In September 2018, a community group was formed. It's called the "Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve." This group grew from all the community support during the restoration project. Their goal is to "improve Berrylands Nature Reserve for the benefit of both wildlife and the local community." They also help other green spaces nearby.
This group now plans conservation activities and other community events at the reserve. They help look after the nature reserve and other local green areas.
