Raeburn Open Space

Raeburn Open Space, known locally as Berrylands Nature Reserve, is a 5-hectare Local Nature Reserve in Berrylands, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It sits along the Tolworth Brook, a tributary of the Hogsmill River, which sustains the reserve’s habitats. The site includes mown grass, unmanaged grassland, scrub, woods and ancient hedgerows rich in native plants. Birds such as jays, stock doves, great spotted woodpeckers and kingfishers live here. Invertebrates like the ringlet butterfly also thrive in the varied landscape. The reserve was officially declared in 1992 but saw little management until 2017, when a community initiative began restoring it. In 2017, the Environment Trust secured Thames Water funding to enhance the site over three years. Work included removing concrete from the stream, naturalising the watercourse and building a new wooden bridge. A wildlife pond was dug, invasive plants cleared and regular litter picking introduced. These efforts have drawn strong local support. The Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve formed in September 2018 to continue conservation and community engagement. This group coordinates activities, supports wildlife and helps care for the reserve and nearby green spaces. Four main access points serve the park: Elmbridge Avenue, Stirling Walk, Grand Avenue, Raeburn Avenue and Meldone Close. The reserve now links to Berrylands Park to the south and other open spaces nearby.