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South London Downs National Nature Reserve
Natural England declare a new
National Nature Reserve for London
London’s third National Nature Reserve (NNR) was announced by Natural England on 10 July 2019 and was
officially opened on 25th July 2019 at a ceremony on Farthing Downs, Coulsdon.
South London Downs, a 417-hectare site along the border of Croydon and Surrey with stunning views across south London, is the second largest NNR in London after Richmond Park.
Jointly managed by Croydon Council and the City of London Corporation, the new NNR brings together 152.5 ha of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for nature, including the rare flower-rich chalk downland of Riddlesdown, Farthing Downs and Happy Valley, with non-SSSI sites of value to wildlife. These include Coulsdon Common, Kenley Common, Hawkhirst, New Hill and Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area.
The South London Downs NNR is at the heart of recovering nature across South London, improving and connecting areas that will benefit wildlife and people. It seeks to enhance the management of the area for wildlife, while creating a site where people can enjoy, learn and engage with the natural world. With its location on the urban fringe, the NNR opens up opportunities for recreation and access to nature for the 385,000 Croydon residents and beyond.
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