Enjoying Bromley's Biodiversity

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Introducing Biodiversity

Getting Involved

Enjoying Bromley's Biodiversity

Darwin & Biodiversity

Specialist Information

Environment Education

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Enjoying Bromley's Biodiversity

Biodiversity is all around us. You can see it through your office window, from a bus, when riding your horse, in your sports ground and in your garden. Check out the following suggestions on experiencing biodiversity in Bromley. The listing includes places to visit and access opportunities.

Please email conservation@bromley.gov.uk if you find any problems with any of the links listed.

Active Lifestyles
A number of volunteer-run groups across the Borough have been formed as part of an Exercise Referral Scheme. Walking routes have been devised, some of which go through through Bromley's green spaces, home to various wildlife. Active Lifestyles provides advice on general health and well-being. Click here for further information.

http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/

Adult Education
Occasionally adult education classes are run within the Borough which may give you opportunity to enjoy, draw inspiration from or learn more about biodiversity, such as pottery, photography, botanical illustration. Click here for further information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/education/further/baec.htm

Beck Corridor
This is a corridor of green spaces between Beckenham Place Park and Spring Park , linking the Green Chain Walk and London Outer Orbital Path that has special biodiversity features. Click here for more information and to download the 'Explore the Beck Corridor' walk pack.

Blackbush Shaw
Area of woodland owned by the Woodland Trust. For information about the location, access and management of the site please click the link below.

http://www.wt-woods.org.uk/blackbushandtwentyacreshawwoods

BUZZ
Buzz events are run by Bromley MyTime for children during holiday periods. Often activities on a biodiversity theme are run. Click here for further information.

http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/

Capital Ring
This is a 78 mile circular walk around London , that lies within 10 miles of Big Ben. The walk takes you through the heart and soul of London's parks, riversides, streets and woodlands. It is divided into fifteen stages. The published walk is available as individual leaflets, incorporating a map, public transport information and points of interest. or as an Ordnance Survey based book. 'Walk 3 Grove Park to Crystal Palace Park' (8.75 miles) and Walk 4 Crystal Palace Park to Streatham Common (3.5 miles), incorporates areas within the Borough. Copies available at local libraries, High Elms Nature Centre and by ringing 020 8313 4665. Click here for further information.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1160.aspx

Chalky Walks
The 'Walk the Chalk' and 'Enjoying Chalk Downland' leaflets were produced as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded 'Chalking Up London's Downs' project. They promote healthy walking, provide medicinal facts about chalk downland herbs, explain the inspiration these landscapes have given to others and outline the management required to sustain their biodiversity interest. The leaflet folds out to reveal maps and information about key sites to visit in south London. Copies available at local libraries, High Elms Nature Centre and by ringing 01689 862815.

Circular Walks
Packs of self-guided Circular Walks are available to purchase from local libraries and Council information points, including High Elms Nature Centre. Routes are promoted on the ground through waymarking. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/walking_in_bromley.htm

City of London
Visit Spring Park, which includes species-rich ancient woodland, including magnificent small-leaved lime trees, a wildlife pond and meadow. Visit West Wickham Common to see ancient woodland, incorporating extraordinary veteran oak pollards and patch of heathland. Click here for more information

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/corporation/living_environment/open_spaces/
west_wickham.htm

Crystal Palace Park
Large urban park, comprising parkland trees, grassland and lakes. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/Parks_in_SE20.htm

Cycling
Cycling, whether for leisure or travel purposes, can provide enhanced opportunity to experience nature, especially along more rural routes. A Map of Cycling Routes in the Borough is available. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/transportandstreets/gettingabout/cycling/Default.htm

Darwin Trails
Enjoy the countryside that inspired Darwin along one of a series of special trails. Click here for more information.

www.darwinatdowne.co.uk

DEFRA Walks & Rides in the South East
The Government body, DEFRA, have devised walks which incorporate areas of land which have undergone significant landscape and biodiversity changes as a result of positive work by land owners and managers. 'Explore Grasslands Associated with the Golden Age of Botany in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' covers part of Cudham, for example. Click here for more information about walk and trail routes provided through agricultural grant schemes.

http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx

Events with a Biodiversity Theme
Please see 'Getting Involved' for forthcoming biodiversity events.
A good number of local events with a biodiversity theme are promoted through the 'Walks, Talks & Events' programme, produced as a bi-annual leaflet available in libraries and also available on line. Please click here for further information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/walking_in_bromley.htm

Events are also publicised by the Heritage & Urban Design team (Planning Division), particularly in relation to the proposed World Heritage Site. For details ring 020 8461 7646. http://www.bromley.gov.uk/environment/conservation/heritage_and_urban_design.htm

Many local organisations organise or attend events that are held inside and outside the Borough at which they promote biodiversity. These are publicised in local communities and through the local press.

Green Chain Walk
This comprises a 40 mile network of footpaths which link together many of the green spaces in the boroughs of Lewisham, Bexley, Greenwich and Bromley through attractive urban settings. The network is well signposted, starting from three points on the River Thames. An overview leaflet and weather-proof route cards are available. Copies of overview leaflets available at local libraries, High Elms Nature Centre and by ringing 020 8313 4665. Walking Festivals have also been arranged. For more information visit…

www.greenchain.com

Guided Walks for the Public
In the London Borough of Bromley, there is at least one guided walk for the public to enjoy every month of the year. These are run by various organisations, and there is no need to use a map as the leader knows the way! Some of these have a specific biodiversity theme, whilst others simply give you opportunity to spot biodiversity yourself.

Please see 'Getting Involved' for forthcoming biodiversity guided walks.

A good proportion of local guided walks with a biodiversity theme are promoted through the 'Walks, Talks & Events' programme, produced as a bi-annual leaflet available in libraries and also available on line. Please click here for further information. http://www.bromley.gov.uk/MeetingsEventsConsultations/Events/2007-05/walks_talks_and_events.htm

Guided walks are also organised by the Heritage & Urban Design team (Planning Division), particularly in relation to the proposed World Heritage Site. For details ring 020 8461 7646 or visit www.darwinatdowne.co.uk

Heritage Talks
Each winter the Heritage & Urban Design at Bromley Council organise a series of evening talks given by experts. These are free and held at the Civic Centre. Topics relate to natural and built heritage issues. Click here for further information. For details ring 020 8461 7646.

Heritage Town Trails
For details ring 020 8461 7646. Two of the trails (Beckenham and West Wickham) have been updated and are incorporated into the ‘Explore the Beck Corridor’ walk pack. Click here to access these walk cards.

High Elms Country Park
250 acres of woodland and meadow located between Farnborough and down. Nature Centre and associated wildlife garden located on site. Nature trails. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/hecp_call_guide.htm

Jubilee Country Park
Park incorporating wetland, hedgerows and woodland, located between Bromley and Petts Wood. Nature Trails. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/local_nature_reserves.htm

Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Walks, talks and events held within the Kent Downs AONB, which includes part of the London Borough of Bromley, are promoted through 'The Orchid' newsletter. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/environment/conservation...

Local Nature Reserves
High Elms Country Park, Scadbury Park and Jubilee Country Park are designated as Local Nature Reserves and incorporate woodland, grassland and wetland. Leaflets promoting nature in the LNRs have been produced as part of the Wildspace Project. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/content/leisure2/parks/reserves_call_guide.html

London Outer Orbital Path
The LOOP is a 150 mile (240km) route for walkers all the way around the Capital and its countryside. But there's no need to attempt it all at once! It is split into 'bite-size' sections, three of which go through the Borough. Each walk points out natural and historic features of interest as well as where to find cafes, pubs and picnic areas en route. Convenient breakpoints with information on buses and trains to take you home are also included. The LOOP is fun and relaxing with lots of waymarkers to keep you on the right track.

Available as individual leaflets and as a Ordnance Survey-based book. The routes through the Borough are described as 'easy walking' and include: Walk 2: Old Bexley Village to Jubilee Country; Park; Walk 3: Jubilee Country Park to West Wickham Common; Walk 4: West Wickham Common to Hamsey Green. Copies available at local libraries, High Elms Nature Centre and by ringing 020 8313 4665. Click here for further information.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking/localroutes/1164.aspx

London-Wide Leisure Walking
Leisure walking opportunities in London are extensive. A new directory ‘ London : The Definitive Walking Guide', published by Cicerone Press, details nearly 300 self-guided trails in Greater London, covering 2300km! It is designed to be used in conjunction with official guides to the routes. Other publications produced by organisations such as the Automobile Association and Ordnance Survey promote particular areas within the Borough. Transport for London 's website, www.tfl.gov.uk/walking includes a database of promoted walking routes, calendar of events and down-loadable mapping.

North Downs Way
Following the ancient Pilgrim's Way for much of its route, the North Downs Way National Trail offers a journey through rolling countryside steeped in history and rich with natural attractions. It skirts the southern boundary of the Borough. For more information visit...

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/

Open Access Land
To check out areas designated as open access land, where you can explore wildlife, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Parks & Open Spaces
There are 149 parks and open spaces in the London Borough of Bromley. These include more formal parks, such as Kelsey Park, or commons, such as Hayes & Keston Common, with good opportunity to see a range of biodiversity. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/

Permissive Routes
Permissive routes are not highways but are private, defined routes made available to the public or specified groups by permission of the landowner. There may be specific restrictions in place regarding their use and the routes may be closed at any time. The landowner is responsible for the permissive routes running across their land. There are a number of permissive routes on both Council-owned and privately-owned land. Ring the Landscape Help Desk on 020 8313 4471 for contacts relating to parks and commons. For permissive routes on private land, please call 01689 862815.

Practical Conservation Work
Getting involved in practical work is really enjoyable and a good way of getting to know sites and encountering the species that live there. See 'Getting Involved' for more information.

Rights of Way
'Rights of Way' are a form of highway and include public footpaths, bridleways and byways. These are legally protected and their location recorded on a 'Definitive Map' and accompanying statement. Many date back to ancient Britain, having been established along the most direct and convenient routes, conforming to natural features and creating readily recognised ways for travel, trade and communication. There are approximately 120 miles of Rights of Way in the Borough. These corridors for travel provide opportunity to explore biodiversity from a unique angle, enabling you to see areas otherwise not visible from roads, pavements and public open spaces. Use an Ordnance Survey map or check out the 'definitive map' of public rights of way in your local library. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/transportandstreets/gettingabout/public_rights_of_way.htm

Scadbury Park
Extensive area of woodland with meadows located between Chislehurst and St. Paul's Cray. Trails, including disabled access route. Click here for further information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/parksandoutdoor/local_nature_reserves.htm

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
There are 95 SINCs within the London Borough of Bromley. They include Sites of Metropolitan Importance, Sites of Borough Importance and Local Sites, of particular value to those living closeby. For more information about the nature conservation value of these sites and the type of public access visit...

http://wildweb.london.gov.uk

Surveying Biodiversity
Getting involved in surveying and monitoring species and habitats is really satisfying. See 'Getting Involved' for more information.

Horseriding
From horseback, the views of the landscape can be spectacular and chances of seeing a range of biodiversity high. A 'Map of Horseriding Routes in Bromley' is available. Organised rides are arranged by local stables and Bromley Bridleways Access Group. Click here for more information http://www.bromley.gov.uk/environment/conservation/riding_in_bromley.htm

Talks on Biodiversity
Please see 'Getting Involved' for forthcoming biodiversity talks.

Individual organisations and community groups organise talks for their members. Some of these are on a biodiversity theme and outside speakers are sometimes sought. Talks open to the public are also promoted by various organisations. Sometimes these are directed to specific groups or to those in a target area.

A good number of local talks with a biodiversity theme are promoted through the 'Walks, Talks & Events' programme, produced as a bi-annual leaflet available in libraries and also available on line. Please click here for further information. http://www.bromley.gov.uk/MeetingsEventsConsultations/Events/2007-05/walks_talks_and_events.htm

Talks are also organised by the Heritage & Urban Design team (Planning Division), particularly in relation to the proposed World Heritage Site. For details ring 020 8461 7646 or visit www.darwinatdowne.co.uk

Walking Groups
As members of local walking groups, you are able to enjoy accompanied walks in the Borough and beyond, which pass through areas supporting a range of biodiversity. Please click here for more information about local groups. http://www.bromley.gov.uk/community/organisations/

Youth Groups
Many youth organisations are active in the Borough. Opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn about biodiversity is offered by some. Click here for more information.

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/community/organisations/youth_groups.htm

Keston Ponds

Common Blue Butterfly

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