Beverley Brook

Beverley Brook is a small river in south-west London. It begins on a hill in Worcester Park and runs north for 14.3 kilometres to join the River Thames near Putney. Along its course it passes through Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and Barnes Common. The brook is followed for most of its length by the Beverley Brook Walk, a riverside path for walkers. Its catchment covers 64 square kilometres of suburban London. The name comes from the old English word for beaver, which once lived here. The river was called the Beaver-Meadow Stream before beavers died out in Britain in the 16th century. For three kilometres south of Richmond Park the brook runs beside the A3, which is named Beverley Way after the stream. The brook is also a historic boundary, separating several London boroughs along its route. The brook flows through green spaces and quiet suburbs. Near Wimbledon Common it passes Fishpond Wood and Beverley Meads nature reserve. Richmond Park, enclosed by Charles I in the 17th century, contains ancient oaks and herds of deer. The brook creates a water feature in the park used by deer and smaller animals. Further downstream it passes Barnes Green and Putney Lower Common before reaching the Thames.