Biodiversity in Bexley
About Bexley's wildlife
Habitats found in Bexley
Bexley has many habitats, from damp meadows to dry heath, coppiced woodland
to open parkland, tidal mudflats to freshwater.
These habitats provide the vital life support systems on which we and our wildlife depend.
The Bexley Biodiversity Action Plan will identify which habitats are most valued and the level of risk they face. It will then prioritise the actions needed in order to manage them, using targets to measure progress.
The following key habitats can be found in Bexley:
 Ancient Woodlands
Bexley has 134 hectares of valuable ancient woodland in and around its boundaries. Some are large enough to retain a real wilderness feel and contain characteristic plant and animal species.
 Heathland
Lowland heath is one of Europe's most threatened habitats. Local place names show that
heathland was once widespread in Bexley. A local bird, the Dartford warbler,
was once found upon it. Sensitive management of Bexley's lowland heathland at
Lesnes Abbey Woods has been given financial support under a Countryside Stewardship
Scheme. Fragments of heath are left but they need to be expanded.
 Rivers and Wetlands
The Borough Crest (right) shows the Thames, Cray and Shuttle rivers.
These are all very important habitats and have a magnetic appeal to all ages.
A trip to one of our rivers, streams or lakes can reveal interesting wildlife.
 Estuaries are exciting habitats and full of interest throughout the year. The roosts of wading birds, ducks and geese on and around the River Thames, especially in Winter, make this area the most important estuary complex for birds in Britain. From Autumn to Spring they feed in great numbers along the shoreline.
 Grazing
Marshes
Crayford and Erith Marshes are some of the last grazing marshes left in
London and are given special status in Bexley's Unitary Development Plan. Sensitive
management of ditches and water levels is essential. They support important rare
birds, plants and invertebrates.
 Gardens
You don't need a garden the size of a football field in order to provide a safe haven
for our wildlife. A balcony or window box can be a valuable habitat. Avoiding
concrete, creating ponds and planting flowers can make gardens attractive to
wildlife.
 Parks
and Open Spaces
Bexley's parks are managed with both people and wildlife in mind.
Parkland green deserts have been turned into grassy spring and summer meadows
which display a myriad of wild flowers enjoyed by butterflies. Explore these
parks, some of which are little-known, and discover Bexley's wildlife heritage.
 Cemeteries and Churchyards
Many of our cemeteries and churchyards were old meadowland and
ancient pastures. They are often remarkably rich in species and contain a variety
of habitats. Hill View Cemetery in Welling has been designed to cater for wildlife.
 School Grounds
For many children, school is their first opportunity to study natural
habitats and their wildlife. Bexley schools are at the forefront of pioneering
environmental education. The enthusiasm of school children can be judged by the
number of entries from schools for Bexley's Environmental Challenge.
 Allotments
Our allotments are oases in the urban environment, providing nesting and feeding
sites for much of our wildlife. Slow worms, lizards and grass snakes rely on
compost heaps and undisturbed areas. Birds feed on berries and seeds found in
hedgerow borders while ladybirds gorge on aphids.
Highway
Verges and Railway Embankments
These act as corridors for wildlife moving from
the wider countryside into Bexley. They provide for a wide range of wild plants
and animals, not always found in other urban habitats.
 
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