Scadbury Park lies in the London Borough of Bromley and extends over 125 hectares. The park is designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, Local Nature Reserve, and an Area of Special Landscape Character.
Woodland Ecology and Archaeology
Scadbury Park contains over 60 hectares of woodland, formerly wood pasture, with strikingly old oak and sweet chestnut trees, and ancient coppice woodland. As well as these habitats the Park also contains species rich grassland, streams, ponds and hedgerows. Little Wood to the east of the site is classed as ancient semi-natural woodland.
The woodlands are characterised by a number of ponds that are also known for their Great Crested Newt populations, and are bordered by hedges that follow ancient hedge lines.
The site has archaeological significance due to a manor house and moated manor built in 1314 by John de Scathbury.
Threats prior to Capital Woodlands
Scadbury suffers from some vandalism; motorbikes are driven through the woodland and burnt out on a regular basis. Trees, fences and gates have been vandalised and burnt to enable motorbikes to enter the woods.
Capital Woodlands Programme at Scadbury Park
Woodland management includes coppicing to improve biodiversity, protection of veteran trees, restoration of hedges, and survey work of the ancient semi-natural woodland. Woodland ponds are now managed - school groups have begun to hold study sessions and Great Crested Newt populations are recorded.
Capital Woodlands supports the Friends of Scadbury through provision of training and tools so that the group is now an integral part of the woodland management team.
Access to Scadbury Park woodlands is being improved through the installation of an Easy Access trail with car parking spaces designated for elderly or disabled visitors, new benches, noticeboard and upgraded gates. Entrances to the woods are being improved with involvement of the local community alongside improvements to security to prevent the entry of motorbikes where possible.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bromley Field Studies Centre run conservation projects in Scadbury Park for young people undertaking the Environmental Task Force employment services option. Conservation activities include coppicing, tree and hedge planting and fence repairs.
Friends of Scadbury Park
The Friends Of Scadbury started in September 2003 to promote and protect the Park and to undertake practical conservation work to maintain and improve its biodiversity for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.
Training
Bromley Field Studies Centre is located next to the Park; it is approved for the delivery of City and Guilds training courses, including an NVQ in Environmental Conservation and a Certificate for Skills in Working Life. The centre trains people from the London Boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Bexley and Greenwich. Training Standards Officers rated the Centre Grade 1 (outstanding). The Field Studies Centre also has a classroom within the Park, which runs training sessions in horticulture.
