Cherry Wood

Cherry Wood is a small nature reserve in Morden Park, south-west London. It covers 1.8 hectares and is one of the few remaining fragments of Great Wood, which once stretched much wider. The land was used as a rubbish dump until 1990, when it was cleaned and restored as a nature reserve. Today it is managed by Merton Council with help from the Friends of Cherry Wood. The wood sits between rows of suburban houses, offering a quiet green space in an urban area. Two paths lead into the reserve: Northernhay Walk and Shaldon Drive. The reserve supports a variety of trees and wildflowers. Pedunculate oak, ash and horse chestnut form the main canopy. In spring, bluebells, ramsons and wood melick carpet the ground. Birdlife includes twenty-five recorded species, among them three kinds of woodpecker, the chiffchaff and the tawny owl. The restoration has created a habitat where wildlife can thrive again. Visitors often hear the drumming of woodpeckers or catch sight of owls at dusk. Paths wind through the wood, letting walkers explore its quiet corners. The Friends of Cherry Wood organise occasional guided walks and conservation tasks. The reserve is open every day, free of charge, and offers a simple escape from the city. Its small size makes it easy to visit in an hour or two.