Wilderness Island
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to AugustAbout the reserve
Only part of Wilderness Island can genuinely be described as an island, but the reserve is dotted with ponds and is flanked on two sides by the Croydon and Carshalton arms of the River Wandle. Habitats here include wetland, wildflower meadow and woodland that supports mature horse chestnut, willow and oak.
Together it provides a valuable habitat for many species of birds and invertebrates. The best way of exploring Wilderness Island is by following the nature trail.
History of Wilderness Island
The northern part of the reserve, the island, is where the owner of Shepley House made ponds in the 1700s to keep carp to supplement the household diet. The carp have long since gone but some of the ponds remain, and one now forms a long sedge bed. A succession of attempts to build housing here in the 20th Century were thwarted by local residents, until management was passed to the Trust in 1987 and it was designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Management of Wilderness Island
A group of local volunteers manage the ponds, meadow and woodlands, while improving the pathways for access, and running a programme of wildlife events attended by members of the public.
Status of Wilderness Island
Part of a Site of Metropolitan Importance; Local Nature Reserve
Volunteer with Wilderness Island's team
To find out about the next volunteering session email Simon Hawkins on shawkins@wildlondon.org.uk
Get involved at Wilderness Island
Record species you've spotted at Wilderness Island