Three nature reserves to visit this autumn
false - Lauren Heather
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit one of the 36 nature reserves we care for in London. Marvel at the changing colours of the leaves, collect shiny conkers and spot exciting fungi springing up all over the woodland floor.
All of our reserves are free to visit, and we’ve picked out three of the best to visit this autumn.
All of our reserves are free to visit, and we’ve picked out three of the best to visit this autumn.
Location: East Barnet, north London
Oak Hill Wood is an ancient woodland thought to date back to at least the 11th century. This steeply-sloping medieval woodland is home to hornbeam, oak and ash, which all look stunning in autumn as the leaves turn gold.
Species to spot:
- Treecreeper
- Tawny owl
- Great spotted woodpecker
- Wild service-tree
- Sparrowhawk
- Beefsteak polypore
- Common inkcap
Sydenham Hill Wood
© Daniel Greenwood
Location: Dulwich, South East London
Sydenham Hill Wood is a surviving part of the ancient Great North Wood which used to cover much of what is now central south London. It’s home to more than 200 species of trees and plants as well as rare fungi, insects, birds and woodland mammals. Keen ears can hear owls and kestrels and the drumming of woodpeckers. It’s also a great place to spot several species of fungi.
Species to spot in autumn:
- Tawny owl
- Kestrel
- Firecrest
- Nuthatch
- Sessile oak
- Hornbeam
- Hazel
- Fly agaric
- Sulphur tuft
- Jelly ear fungus
Gutteridge Wood
Location: Hillingdon, north-west London
An ancient oak and hazel coppice woodland in North Hillingdon, Gutteridge Wood is a haven for birds all year long. A visit to Gutteridge Wood can form part of a day out to three nature reserves - Ten Acre Wood to the east and Yeading Brook Meadows south from there are all connected by the Hillingdon Trail.
Species to spot in autumn:
- English oak
- Hazel
- Kestrel
- Little owl
- Kingfisher
- Great spotted woodpecker
- Green woodpecker
- Nuthatch
- Hare’s ear fungus