Welcome to the website for nature conservation in Lewisham. Lewisham has three sites of major ecological importance in London – Beckenham Place Park, Blackheath and the Thames/Deptford Creek – and countless other areas (railside land, ponds, woods and wastelands). In all, 474 hectares (13% of the borough) are defined as "Sites of Nature Conservation Importance".     

Click on the map below to find out what you’ll find at the selected sites. If you want to know more, order a copy of the Nature Conservation in Lewisham handbook, and get four free nature walk pamphlets.

* Note, once you select a location from the map below information about that Nature Reserve will be displayed, including a map of the reserve and how to get there. You will also be displayed with a map on how to get to the Nature Reserve. The green area  represents the Nature reserve and the red dot represents the entrance to the Nature Reserve.

The council manages over twenty of these sites where you can get up close to the wilder plants and animals who share the city with us. Thanks to the work of council officers and countless hours of volunteer work to maintain and improve the sites, we think you’ll enjoy the experience.

From ancient oaks and green parakeets on Downham Woodland Walk to wasteland cinquefoil and the rare black redstart at Sue Godfrey Nature Park.

Let us know if you catch site of the mythical kangaroo at Beckenham Place Park!

Many thanks to Kevin Forrester, Chris Coughlan & Stuart Blakley.