The Wood, Surbiton facts for kids
The Wood is a lovely public park located in Surbiton, which is part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in London. A special part of this park is a bird sanctuary. It's named after a famous naturalist, Richard Jefferies, who loved nature and wrote about it.
The Wood is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a special place recognized for its important wildlife and natural features. It's called 'The Wood and Richard Jefferies Bird Sanctuary' to highlight both the wooded area and the protected space for birds.
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History of The Wood Park
The area where The Wood park now stands was once home to a large house called The Woods. This house was built in the 1800s and had its own lake and woods around it.
From House to Park
In the 1930s, the old house was taken down. Later, in 1947, the local council for Surbiton decided to buy the land. They bought it to create a public park for everyone to enjoy. This was a big step in making green spaces available to the community.
Creating the Bird Sanctuary
In 1980, a part of the park was fenced off. This area became the bird sanctuary. It was set up to give birds a safe and quiet place to live and nest. Since 1987, the London Wildlife Trust has helped look after this special bird sanctuary. They work to protect the wildlife and keep the habitat healthy.
Wildlife at The Wood
The Wood is a great place for nature lovers because it has many trees and plants. This makes it a perfect home for different kinds of animals, especially birds and insects.
Birds of the Woodland
You can often spot typical woodland birds here. For example, you might see great spotted woodpeckers tapping on trees. You could also hear or even spot tawny owls, especially around dusk. These birds rely on the trees for shelter and food.
Interesting Insects
Besides birds, the park is also home to various invertebrates. One interesting insect you might find is the stag beetle. These large beetles are known for the impressive "antlers" on the males. They are an important part of the park's ecosystem.
How to Visit The Wood
The Wood park is open to the public. You can find access to the park from Oak Hill Grove. It's a wonderful place to take a walk, enjoy nature, and learn about local wildlife.
