Project summary:
The aims of this project are to raise public awareness of Sutton Ecology Centre and of other Local Nature Reserves in the London Borough Of Sutton. This is specifically through increased access and information to those members of the public classed as deficient in terms of proximity to green space.

The main objectives are:

1. To attract more visitors to Sutton Ecology Centre and interest a larger proportion of the borough in ‘green’ areas.
2. To ensure that the declared and proposed LNRs in areas of deprivation in the borough are managed in an appropriate manner.
3. To provide increased pride and ownership of the sites in local residents by increasing access and involvement, particularly through practical activities to improve and manage the ecological structure of the sites.
4. To increase the level and quality of interpretation on all of the LNRs and promote them through the development and distribution of interpretative media.
5. To develop ties with schools and youth groups, community links and black & ethnic minorities by interaction and providing educational material on the sites.

The Local Nature Reserves Officer will further these objectives by undertaking the following initiatives:

• producing new and revamping existing site leaflets
• providing interpretation boards where necessary
• undertaking systematic biological surveys of the sites
• providing practical site management and improving access
• setting up voluntary site wardens and friends groups to manage the sites on a long-term basis.

Carshalton Road Pastures – This site is 6.6ha of chalk grassland, although the western part of the site was once a landfill and was capped with imported mesotrophic soil. Extensive areas around the southern boundary of the site are dominated by blackthorn and hawthorn scrub with associated small passerines. Knapweed broomrape is a particularly notable species, found only on 5 sites in London. This is a specialised parasite of greater knapweed and has no chlorophyll, taking its energy from the roots of its host. The proximity of two travellers camps to Carshalton Road Pastures means that there are more than average problems with fly tipping and litter.

Roundshaw Downs – Roundshaw is the largest LNR covered in this scheme at around 38ha of chalk grassland. There are a number of informal paths around the site and during summer tracks are cut in the grass for access. Roundshaw is not quite one of London’s premier calcareous grassland sites, there are a number of notable wild flowers, one of the highlights being greater yellow rattle, which is partly parasitic on grasses. Knapweed broomrape is also found here, along with breeding populations of skylark and meadow pipit, as well as linnets and goldfinches. Patches of woodland and scrub around the edges of Roundshaw Downs also adds to the biodiversity on the site. Town hall clock, wood sedge and goldilocks are three notable plant species associated with ancient woodland, of which part may exist on the southern part of the downs.

The Spinney – This is a thin stretch of scrub woodland right in the middle of housing to the east of Sutton. At 0.3ha, it is one of the smallest nature reserves and is in a fairly poor state. Lack of management has meant that the ground flora is over-run by ivy, as are more of the trees and shrubs. Snowberry is also another rather dominant species, impacting negatively upon the site. A number of common suburban birds such as robin, wren, dunnock and blackbird breed here, although no species of any note have been recorded. This site has restricted access, as trampling by people would damage the site, although on present evidence, there is little to disrupt.

Sutton Ecology Centre – At 2.2ha, the Ecology Centre provides a haven for wildlife in the middle of suburbia. The centre has been structured to provide a number of microhabitats for as wide a variety of creatures as possible. The pond and marsh areas are important for breeding frogs, toads and smooth newt, as well as dragonflies and damselflies. Stag beetle make use of the numerous woodpiles and are nationally centred in south London. Numerous small passerines are present at the Ecology Centre all year round. Community plots provide local people the chance to grow their own organic vegetables and the centre provides a vital role in the provision of environmental education for school groups through games, pond dipping and bug hunting. The practice of re-cycling, composting and sustainable management provides a clear example of the ability to work in an environmental manner.

Wandle Valley Wetland – At 0.63ha, WVW provides a small but important resource in the middle of a housing estate next to the River Wandle. The creation of a new pond and circular path will provide improved access and enjoyment for the local community once the planted reeds are more fully established. The wetland is kept locked and has an 8-foot high metal palisade fence to discourage anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping and vandalism. It is hoped that open days will provide more of an incentive to preserve the wetland and a sense of ownership. Small passerines are abundant within the site and invertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies will provide vibrant examples of life during the summer months.