Category: Ecology

Wanstead Park was added to Epping Forest in 1882 and is protected under the terms of the Epping Forest Act of 1878.  The Park is a Grade II* listed landscape with a chain of lakes dug out some 300 years ago. There are woodlands and grassy areas with some scrubby patches, all of which provide shelter, food and nesting sites for many creatures. Continue reading "Wanstead Park: a biodiversity hotspot"

The native fauna and flora of the British Isles has been augmented by introductions over many centuries. Some trees like the Sycamore and the Sweet Chestnut arrived many centuries ago and have become integrated into our landscapes.

Other aliens are more recent arrivals with a few being perceived as invasive species. One of these is the purple flowered Rhododendron ponticum which produces viable seeds and spreads some distance from its introduced sites.

Continue reading "The Impact Of Alien Species: some examples from Wanstead Park"

Wanstead Wildlife

...for information on the wealth of wildlife in and around Wanstead Parklands.

Wren Conservation Group

For the opportunity to do practical work, learn about the local wildlife and to go on nature walks and outings further afield, the Wren Conservation Group is Wanstead Park's own local wildife group. Visit the website or contact Richard Oakman on 020 8989 3243

For an area that is so close to the built up parts of residential east London, Wanstead Park and the nearby areas of southern Epping Forest - together with such habitats as the City of London Cemetery amongst others - has a varied and numerous wildlife population. The following summary is taken from the Wanstead Wildlife website, where much more detailed information is available. Continue reading "Summary of wildlife in the Wanstead area"