Wandle Meadow Nature Park facts for kids
Wandle Meadow Nature Park is a special place in Wimbledon, in the London Borough of Merton. It's a 4.15-hectare area, which is about the size of eight football fields! This park is officially a local nature reserve. This means it's protected so that plants and animals can live there safely. Merton Council owns and looks after the park.
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History of Wandle Meadow
This area has a long and interesting past. In 1847, old maps showed it as "Byegrove Mead." It might have been used as "water meadows" back then. These were fields that could be flooded on purpose to help grass grow for farm animals.
From Sewage Works to Nature Reserve
Later, in 1877, a company bought the land. They used it as part of a "sewage works." This was a place where dirty water from homes was cleaned before it went back into the river. The sewage works closed down in 1970.
After that, there was a plan to build a big stadium for Wimbledon Football Club on the site. But many people who lived nearby really wanted to protect the land for nature. They worked hard to save it. Because of their efforts, in 1989, Merton Council officially made it a nature reserve. This was a big win for local wildlife!
Exploring Nature at Wandle Meadow
Wandle Meadow Nature Park is a fantastic spot to see different kinds of plants and animals. It sits right next to the River Wandle and a path called Mead Path. This path is part of the longer Wandle Trail, which is great for walking or cycling.
Wetland Wonders
Because the park is close to the river, it has many wetland areas. These are places where the ground is often wet or marshy. Here, you can find special plants like small sweet-grass. You might also spot eared willow trees, which like damp soil. Look out for colourful insects too, like the broad-bodied chaser dragonfly, which loves to fly near the water.
Woodland Wildlife
The park also has areas with trees and shrubs, which are like small woodlands. These provide perfect homes for many birds. If you visit quietly, you might hear or see bullfinches, whitethroats, and reed buntings. These birds often build their nests and raise their young in these peaceful spots.
Pond Life and Amphibians
Within the park, there are also small bodies of water, like ponds. These watery homes are perfect for amphibians. You can find different types of frogs, toads, and newts living here. They spend parts of their lives in the water and on land.
How to Visit Wandle Meadow
Wandle Meadow Nature Park is easy to get to from several places.
- You can enter from Chaucer Way, Boundary Road, and North Road in Colliers Wood.
- There's a footbridge that crosses the River Wandle from Garfield Road Recreation Ground in South Wimbledon.
- You can also find a footpath entrance at Plough Lane in Wimbledon.
It's a great place to enjoy nature, go for a walk, or simply relax outdoors.
