Roundshaw Downs facts for kids
Roundshaw Downs is a fantastic place in London where nature thrives! It's a huge area, about 52.7 hectares, located in the boroughs of Sutton and Croydon. A big part of it, 19.6 hectares in Sutton, is even a special "local nature reserve." This means it's protected so that plants and animals can live there safely.
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Roundshaw Downs: A Nature Spot
A Look Back: From Farm to Airport to Nature
It's cool to think about how Roundshaw Downs has changed over time. Long ago, in the 1800s, this whole area was just farmland. Farmers grew crops and raised animals here.
Then, in the early 1900s, something exciting happened! This land became part of Croydon Airport. Imagine planes taking off and landing where you now see wildflowers! After the airport closed, nature slowly started to reclaim the land. Now, it's a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy.
Amazing Grasslands: Home to Special Plants and Spiders
Most of Roundshaw Downs is covered in a mix of grasslands. These are special because they have both "chalk" and "neutral" soil. This means many different kinds of plants can grow here.
You might spot some interesting flowers like common quaking grass. It has tiny, shaky seed heads that look like they're dancing in the wind! You can also find wild carrot and bird's-foot-trefoil. Bird's-foot-trefoil has bright yellow flowers that look a bit like tiny slippers.
One very special flower here is the greater yellow rattle. This plant is protected across the country! Sutton and Croydon are two of the best places in the UK to find it.
Keep an eye out for the amazing wasp spider, Argiope bruennichi. This spider builds its cool, zig-zag webs right in the grasslands. It's a striking spider with yellow and black stripes, just like a wasp!
The grasslands are also home to many birds. You might see kestrels hovering high above, looking for food. Skylarks also live here. These birds are very important because their numbers have dropped a lot in Britain. They are on a "Red List," which means they need our help to survive.
Wonderful Woodlands and Scrubs: Birds Galore!
Besides the open grasslands, Roundshaw Downs also has areas with trees, called woodlands. These woods are perfect for other types of birds.
You might hear the drumming of a great spotted woodpecker looking for insects. The sweet songs of the blackcap and the cheerful "chiff-chaff" call of the chiffchaff fill the air.
In the scrub areas, which are bushy spots with smaller trees, you can often find common whitethroats. These birds are known for their scratchy, chattering songs.
How to Visit Roundshaw Downs
It's easy to get to Roundshaw Downs! You can find access from Plough Lane. It's a great place to go for a walk, explore nature, and see some amazing wildlife.
