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 Fencing and Flora

Wood anemones in Dulwich Wood

Now that reuniting Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Woods is well underway, practical conservation can be see in the stretches of dead hedging along the main paths in Dulwich Wood. Although some people don't like being restricted to certain areas of wood, it is necessary in order to allow the flora and fauna to recover from trampling. The large patches of bare ground in Dulwich Wood contrast with the much healthier amount of ground cover in Sydenham Hill Wood, where conservation has been managed by the London Wildlife Trust. 

The photo below shows a patch of wood anemone in Sydenham Hill Wood. Only three or four years ago, this was a tiny patch just hanging on, however since the construction of a low hurdle fence to protect it, the patch has spread quickly to cover a much larger area. 


Over in Dulwich Wood, the area where the Am Brook flows out of the Dewy Pond, is being fenced in to allow regeneration of plant cover. Once a larger pond dipping platform is installed at the Dewy Pond, flag irises growing along the margin of the pond will be moved and replanted along the Am Brook. The fencing will allow these to become established in their new home, free from disturbance. 

The Dewy Pond with its small pond dipping platform, which is too small to accommodate school groups.


New fencing to protect ground cover and water marginal plants next to the Am Brook.

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