Ravensbury Park facts for kids
Ravensbury Park is a lovely public park located in Mitcham, a part of the London Borough of Merton. This park is quite special because about 7 hectares (that's like 17 acres!) of it is a designated Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a protected area where nature can thrive. The beautiful River Wandle flows along the southern edge of the park. This river area is also considered a very important place for nature in London, known as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
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Discovering Ravensbury Park's Past
Ravensbury Park has a long and interesting history. It was once part of a large estate called Ravensbury Manor, which existed all the way back in the 1200s!
From Manor to Mill
For a long time, the land was part of this old manor. Later, in the 1600s and 1700s, the site was home to a factory that made a type of cloth called calico. There were also beautiful pleasure gardens here, which were like fancy parks for people to enjoy.
Becoming a Public Park
In 1929, the local councils (like the town governments) of Mitcham, Merton, and Morden bought part of these old gardens. They wanted to create a space for everyone to enjoy. Ravensbury Park officially opened its gates to the public on May 10, 1930. Some of the trees you see in the park today are incredibly old, dating back over two hundred years!
Nature and Wildlife at the Park
A big part of Ravensbury Park has been turned into a special nature reserve. This area includes a lovely path right along the River Wandle. It's a fantastic place to see different kinds of plants and animals.
Home to Many Creatures
The park is a wonderful habitat for wildlife. You can find many types of wetland birds here, especially near the river. There are also large areas of woodland and a mix of other natural spaces, providing homes for various creatures. It's a great spot for nature lovers and anyone interested in local wildlife.
How to Visit Ravensbury Park
It's easy to get to Ravensbury Park! You can enter the park from Morden Road, Bishopsford Road, and Wandle Road.
