Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds facts for kids
The Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds is a special place in Carshalton, part of the London Borough of Sutton. It's a 1.3-hectare area, which is about the size of two football fields! This site is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. It's also recognized as a very important place for nature, called a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation (Grade 1).
Sutton Council owns these grounds. They work with a group called the Friends of Sutton Ecology Centre to look after this amazing natural space. It's a fantastic spot for learning about local wildlife and enjoying nature right in the city.
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Discovering Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds
This section will tell you more about the history and natural features of this interesting place.
A Look Back in Time
The land where the Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds now sit has a long history. Records show that as far back as 1590, this area was an orchard. It was known then as Cook's Orchard.
Later, in the 1700s, it became a kitchen garden. This garden grew food for a large house called Stone Court. Stone Court was eventually taken down around the year 1800.
The grounds also contain an old building called The Old Rectory. This building was constructed in the early 1700s. The Ecology Centre itself, which helps people learn about nature, first opened its doors in 1989.
Nature's Home: Habitats and Wildlife
The Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds are home to many different types of natural environments. These are called habitats. You can find ponds, woodlands, and open meadows here. There are also marshlands, which are wet, grassy areas.
The centre also has small demonstration gardens. These gardens show different ways to grow plants and create wildlife-friendly spaces.
The River Wandle's Old Path
In the southern part of the grounds, you can see the old path of the River Wandle. Today, this part of the river is usually dry. However, even without flowing water, you can still spot beautiful yellow flag iris plants growing there. These plants love wet areas.
Margaret's Pool and Its Inhabitants
One of the highlights is Margaret's Pool. This pond is a busy spot for many different insects. You might see various kinds of dragonflies and damselflies flying around. These colorful insects love to live near water.
The trees surrounding Margaret's Pool are mostly sycamore and ash trees. They provide shade and shelter for the wildlife.
How to Visit
You can easily get to the Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds. There is access from a path called Festival Walk. It's a great place to visit for a quiet walk or to learn more about local nature.
