Russia Dock Woodland facts for kids
Russia Dock Woodland is a long, thin park in Rotherhithe, London. It was created by filling in parts of the old Surrey Commercial Docks. The original Russia Dock was once a busy place for bringing in softwood timber from countries like Norway, Russia, and Sweden. This type of wood was often called "deal wood." People used it to make things like newsprint and furniture.
The docks closed down in the early 1970s. After that, the area was rebuilt by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC). Russia Dock Woodland was formed from several old docks, including Russia Dock, Island Dock, and Surrey Basin. These docks were filled in, except for a small stream that still runs through the park. In 1980, the area was planted with trees, creating a 34.5-acre (140,000 m2) woodland. Even today, you can still see parts of the old docks, like stone walls, depth gauges, and chains.
How is Russia Dock Woodland Managed?
The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) first created Russia Dock Woodland. Later, they handed it over to the local government, Southwark Council. Southwark Council now looks after the park with help from a group called the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland. The LDDC also built footbridges, like the Alfred Salter footbridge, and paths, such as Waterman's path along the stream. Southwark Council now takes care of these too.
A group called The Conservation Volunteers helps manage the nearby Stave Hill Ecological Park. They work closely with the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland. Together, they solve problems that affect both areas. Both the woodland and the ecological park are great places for people living in or visiting Rotherhithe to enjoy nature.
What is Stave Hill?
Stave Hill is a man-made hill that stands about 30-foot (9.1 m) tall. It is shaped like a cone with a flat top. At the very top, there is a viewing platform. You can also find a special bronze map there, made by Michael Rizzello, which shows what the old docks looked like.
From Stave Hill, you get amazing views of Canary Wharf, the City of London, and much of central and south London. On clear days, you can even see as far as Wembley Stadium! The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) created Stave Hill in 1985. They used waste materials and rubble from the work of filling in and landscaping the old commercial docks.
Images for kids
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View of Russia Dock Path from Onega Gate
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Stave Hill and the steps leading to the viewing platform. Canary Wharf is visible on the left.
