List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Greater London
Encyclopedia
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, which is part of south east England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. In geographic terms, the area is split by the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
. The London region has a population of 7,512,400 within an area of 1,579km², making it the second-largest populated region in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. However, even though it is one of the largest urban conglomerations in Europe, almost two-thirds of London is made up of greenspace and wetlands, consisting primarily of extensive areas of green belt, large parks and the Thames basin. , there are 36 sites designated within this Area of Search
Area of Search
Areas of Search are geographical areas used in the selection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. In England these are largely based on the 1974–1996 administrative counties...
, 18 of which have been designated for their biological interest, 11 for their geological interest, and 7 for both biological and geological interest.
In England, the body responsible for designating SSSIs is Natural England
Natural England
Natural England is the non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils, are protected and improved...
, which chooses sites because of their Fauna
Fauna
Fauna or faunæ is all of the animal life of any particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is flora.Zoologists and paleontologists use fauna to refer to a typical collection of animals found in a specific time or place, e.g. the "Sonoran Desert fauna" or the "Burgess shale fauna"...
, flora
Plant
Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...
, geological
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
or physiographical features. Natural England took over the role of designating and managing SSSIs from English Nature
English Nature
English Nature was the United Kingdom government agency that promoted the conservation of wildlife, geology and wild places throughout England between 1990 and 2006...
in October 2006 when it was formed from the amalgamation of English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency
Countryside Agency
The Countryside Agency in England was a statutory body set up in 1999 with the task of improving the quality of the rural environment and the lives of those living in it. The Agency was formed by merging the Countryside Commission and the Rural Development Commission...
and the Rural Development Service
Rural Development Service
The Rural Development Service was formerly part of the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs . It ceased to exist on 1 October 2006 following the creation of Natural England.- History :...
. The data in the table is taken from English Nature's website in the form of citation sheets for each SSSI.
For other counties, see List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest by Area of Search.
Sites
| Site name | Reason for designation | Area | Grid reference | Year in which notified | Map | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological interest | Geological interest | Hectares | Acres | |||||
| Abbey Wood | 6.3 | 15.7 | 1975 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003513,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Abbey Wood Abbey Wood Abbey Wood is a district of South-East London, England, located mostly in the London Borough of Greenwich, and partly within the London Borough of Bexley. It is situated east of Charing Cross.-Development:... |
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| Barn Elms Wetland Centre | 29.86 | 73.8 | 2002 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=2000457,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Barnes | |||
| Bentley Priory Bentley Priory Nature Reserve Bentley Priory Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve in Stanmore in the London Borough of Harrow. It is a 55 hectare mosaic of ancient woodland, unimproved neutral grassland, scrub, wetland, streams and an artificial lake, an unusual combination of... |
55.1 | 136.2 | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1005970,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Stanmore Stanmore Stanmore is a suburban area of the London Borough of Harrow, in northwest London. It is situated northwest of Charing Cross. The area is home to Stanmore Hill, one of the highest points of London, high.-Toponymy:... |
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| Brent Reservoir Brent Reservoir The Brent Reservoir is a reservoir which straddles the boundary between the London boroughs of Brent and Barnet and is owned by British Waterways... |
68.6 | 169.6 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003322,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | West Hendon West Hendon West Hendon is a place in the London Borough of Barnet.-History:West Hendon was a settlement within that part of the ancient parish of Hendon known as the Hyde, and is now a part of the London Borough of Barnet. It was formally known, from 1878–1890, as New Hendon, a small railway development on... |
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| Chingford Reservoirs Chingford Reservoirs The Chingford Reservoirs is the collective name for the King George V Reservoir and the William Girling Reservoir, which form part of the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain. They were constructed by John Mowlem & Co.They are a Site of Special Scientific Interest.... |
316.3 | 781.7 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001912,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Chingford Chingford Chingford is a district of north east London, bordering on Enfield and Edmonton to the west, Woodford to the east, Walthamstow and Stratford to the south and Essex to the north. It is situated northeast of Charing Cross and forms part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest... |
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| Crofton Woods Crofton Wood Crofton Wood or Crofton Woods is a Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Metropolitan Importance, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Crofton in the London Borough of Bromley. Its grid reference is . Kyd Brook goes through the Wood.... |
76.6 | 198.8 | 1989 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003360,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Crofton Crofton, London Crofton is a district in the London Borough of Bromley in southeast London, England. It is located at .... |
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| Croham Hurst Croham Hurst Croham Hurst is a 33.6 hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation in South Croydon in the London Borough of Croydon... |
33.6 | 83.0 | 1984 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003374,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | South Croydon South Croydon South Croydon is a locality in Greater London, the area surrounding the valley south of central Croydon about 1 km in radius, centred on the Red Deer public house on the Brighton Road. It is part of the South Croydon post town and in the London Borough of Croydon... |
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| Denham Lock Wood Denham Lock Wood Denham Lock Wood is a 6.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest next to the Grand Union Canal, and near Denham in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It was notified in 1986 and is managed by the London Wildlife Trust on behalf of Hillingdon Council... |
6.3 | 15.5 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001883,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Denham Denham, Buckinghamshire Denham is a village and civil parish in the South Buckinghamshire district of Buckinghamshire, England. It is north west of Uxbridge and north of junction 1 of the M40 motorway. Denham contains the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.-Origin:... |
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| Downe Bank Downe Bank Downe Bank is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust in the North Downs, close to Downe in the London Borough of Bromley. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest together with the neighbouring High Elms Country Park... and High Elms High Elms Country Park High Elms Country Park is an extensive public park on the North Downs in Farnborough in the London Borough of Bromley. It is a Local Nature Reserve, and together with the neighbouring Downe Bank, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The park surrounds High Elms Golf Course, and has extensive... |
86.8 | 214.6 | & | 1981 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003420,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Downe Downe Downe is a village in the London Borough of Bromley in London, UK.Downe is south west of Orpington and south east of Charing Cross. Downe lies in a wooded valley, and much of the centre of the village is unchanged; the former village school now acts as the village hall.-Darwin:Charles Darwin... |
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| Elmstead Pit | 0.05 | 0.13 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003603,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Elmstead Elmstead Elmstead is a residential district in the London Borough of Bromley lying between Chislehurst, Mottingham, Bromley and Bickley.Elmstead Woods, an ancient woodland, has public access from Elmstead Lane... |
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| Epping Forest Epping Forest Epping Forest is an area of ancient woodland in south-east England, straddling the border between north-east Greater London and Essex. It is a former royal forest, and is managed by the City of London Corporation.... |
1728 | 4270 | to | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001814,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Epping Forest Epping Forest (district) Epping Forest is a local government district of the county of Essex, England. It is named after Epping Forest, of which the district contains a large part... |
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| Farthing Downs Farthing Downs Farthing Downs is an open space in Coulsdon in the London Borough of Croydon. Together with New Hill to the south-east, it is owned and managed by the Corporation of London. It is also part of the Farthing Downs and Happy Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest, notified in 1975. Happy Valley is... and Happy Valley Farthing Downs And Happy Valley Farthing Downs And Happy Valley is a 120.5 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Coulsdon in the London Borough of Croydon. It was notified in 1987 for its biological and geological interest. Ideally situated very near the centre of Coulsdon, 'The Downs' are part of the... |
120.5 | 297.8 | 1987 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003445,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Coulsdon Coulsdon Coulsdon is a town on the southernmost boundary of the London Borough of Croydon. It is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt of the Farthing Down, Coulsdon Common and Kenley Common... |
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| Frays Farm Meadows Frays Farm Meadows Frays Farm Meadows is a 28.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest near Denham in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It was notified as an SSSI in 1981, and has been managed by the London Wildlife Trust on behalf of Hillingdon Council since 1999... |
28.2 | 69.8 | 1984 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1002024,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Denham Denham, Buckinghamshire Denham is a village and civil parish in the South Buckinghamshire district of Buckinghamshire, England. It is north west of Uxbridge and north of junction 1 of the M40 motorway. Denham contains the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.-Origin:... |
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| Gilbert's Pit | 5.2 | 12.8 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003340,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Charlton Charlton, London Charlton is a district of south London, England, and part of the London Borough of Greenwich. It is located east-southeast of Charing Cross. Charlton next Woolwich was an ancient parish in the county of Kent, which became part of the metropolitan area of London in 1855. It is home to Charlton... |
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| Hainault Forest Hainault Forest Country Park Hainault Forest Country Park is one of the remaining sections of the former Forest of Essex in England. Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest are other examples. It is located in Hainault in the London Borough of Redbridge and its area is 136 hectares... |
136.0 | 336.0 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1004044,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Hainault Hainault Hainault is an area in the London Borough of Redbridge in north east London. It is a suburban development located north east of Charing Cross... |
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| Hampstead Heath Woods | 16.6 | 41.1 | & | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003451,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead is an area of London, England, north-west of Charing Cross. Part of the London Borough of Camden in Inner London, it is known for its intellectual, liberal, artistic, musical and literary associations and for Hampstead Heath, a large, hilly expanse of parkland... |
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| Harefield Pit | 1.8 | 4.45 | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001658,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Harefield Harefield Harefield is a village in the London Borough of Hillingdon in northwest London, England. It is situated on top of a hill, northwest of Charing Cross, near the Greater London boundary with Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the north... |
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| Harrow Weald | 3.7 | 9.1 | 1987 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003687,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Harrow Weald Harrow Weald Harrow Weald is an area in north-west London, England. It includes a suburban development and forms part of the London Borough of Harrow.-Locale, geography and history:... |
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| Hornchurch Cutting | 0.8 | 2.0 | 1988 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1002354,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Hornchurch Hornchurch Hornchurch is a large suburban town in England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Hornchurch is in North-East London .It is located east-northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan. It comprises a number of shopping... |
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| Ingrebourne Marshes Ingrebourne Marshes The Ingrebourne Marshes are a 74.8 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Greater London, south east England. It was notified in 1988 for its biological interest.-References:* *... |
74.8 | 184.8 | 1988 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001842,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Hornchurch Hornchurch Hornchurch is a large suburban town in England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Hornchurch is in North-East London .It is located east-northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan. It comprises a number of shopping... |
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| Inner Thames Marshes | 479.3 | 1184.4 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001732,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Rainham Rainham, London Rainham is a suburban town in northeast London, England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Located east of Charing Cross, it is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan and is surrounded by a residential area, which has grown from the historic village,... |
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| Kempton Park Reservoirs Kempton Park Reservoirs Kempton Park Reservoirs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Surrey, England. It consists of a group of reservoirs at Kempton Park between Hanworth and Sunbury on Thames. It is owned by Thames Water.-History:... |
25.6 | 63.3 | 1999 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=2000385,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Kempton Park Kempton Park, Surrey Kempton Park is a locality in the Spelthorne district of Surrey, which is the location of Kempton Park Racecourse.Kempton Park appears on the Middlesex Domesday Map as Chenetone. It was held by Robert, Count of Mortain... |
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| Keston And Hayes Commons Keston Keston is a part suburban, part rural area of the London Borough of Bromley, England. It lies on the edge of Hayes Common, to the northwest of Greater London's border with Kent.-History:... |
49.7 | 122.8 | 1987 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003496,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Keston Keston Keston is a part suburban, part rural area of the London Borough of Bromley, England. It lies on the edge of Hayes Common, to the northwest of Greater London's border with Kent.-History:... |
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| Mid Colne Valley Mid Colne Valley Mid Colne Valley is a 132 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest at grid reference in Harefield in the London Borough of Hillingdon and Denham in South Buckinghamshire. Its main importance lies in its extensive diversity of birdlife in lakes in former gravel pits.The site is... |
132.0 | 326.1 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003469,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Harefield Harefield Harefield is a village in the London Borough of Hillingdon in northwest London, England. It is situated on top of a hill, northwest of Charing Cross, near the Greater London boundary with Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the north... |
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| Old Park Wood Old Park Wood Old Park Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Harefield in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The south-east part is an nature reserve owned and managed by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Its grid reference is... |
16.7 | 41.3 | 1984 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003546,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Harefield Harefield Harefield is a village in the London Borough of Hillingdon in northwest London, England. It is situated on top of a hill, northwest of Charing Cross, near the Greater London boundary with Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the north... |
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| Oxleas Wood Oxleas Wood Oxleas Wood is one of the few remaining areas of ancient deciduous forest in the London Borough of Greenwich in southeast London, dating back over 8,000 years... land |
72.7 | 179.7 | 1984 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1002358,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Shooter's Hill Shooter's Hill Shooter's Hill is a district and electoral ward in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich. It lies east of Blackheath and west of Welling, south of Woolwich and north of Eltham... |
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| Richmond Park Richmond Park Richmond Park is a 2,360 acre park within London. It is the largest of the Royal Parks in London and Britain's second largest urban walled park after Sutton Park, Birmingham. It is close to Richmond, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, Wimbledon, Roehampton and East Sheen... |
856.0 | 2115.1 | (centre approx.) | 1992 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1002388,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Richmond | ||
| Riddlesdown Riddlesdown Riddlesdown is a place in the London Borough of Croydon, one mile east from the centre of Purley. The name applies both to an area of chalk downland, which is maintained by the City of London Corporation as common land, and to the nearby residential district.... |
32.0 | 79.1 | 1988 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003566,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Riddlesdown Riddlesdown Riddlesdown is a place in the London Borough of Croydon, one mile east from the centre of Purley. The name applies both to an area of chalk downland, which is maintained by the City of London Corporation as common land, and to the nearby residential district.... |
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| Ruislip Woods Ruislip Woods Ruislip Woods is a wooded area and National Nature Reserve covering in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The woods became the first National Nature Reserve in an urban area of England in May 1997, receiving the Green Flag Award in 2006.... |
305.4 | 754.6 | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003633,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Ruislip Ruislip Ruislip is a suburban area, centred on an old village in Greater London, and is part of the London Borough of Hillingdon.It was formerly also a parish covering the neighbouring areas of Eastcote, Northwood, Ruislip Manor and South Ruislip in the area. The parish appears in the Domesday Book, and... |
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| Ruxley Gravel Pits | 18.7 | 46.2 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003658,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Ruxley Ruxley Ruxley is a small settlement mostly within the London Borough of Bromley and on the boundary with the London Borough of Bexley, in southeast London, England.... |
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| Saltbox Hill Saltbox Hill Saltbox Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest owned and managed by the London Wildlife Trust in Biggin Hill in the London Borough of Bromley. It is also a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance... |
22.2 | 54.8 | & | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1001786,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Biggin Hill Biggin Hill Biggin Hill is an area and electoral ward in the outskirts of the London Borough of Bromley in southeast London, United Kingdom.-History:Historically the settlement was known as Aperfield and formed part of the parish of Cudham... |
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| Syon Park | 21.5 | 53.2 | 1984 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1004281,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Brentford Brentford Brentford is a suburban town in west London, England, and part of the London Borough of Hounslow. It is located at the confluence of the River Thames and the River Brent, west-southwest of Charing Cross. Its former ceremonial county was Middlesex.-Toponymy:... |
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| Walthamstow Marshes Walthamstow Marshes Walthamstow Marshes, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI. It was once an area of lammas land — strips of meadow used for growing crops and grazing cattle.... |
36.7 | 90.7 | 1985 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003054,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Walthamstow Walthamstow Walthamstow is a district of northeast London, England, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is situated north-east of Charing Cross... |
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| Walthamstow Reservoirs Walthamstow Reservoirs The Walthamstow Reservoirs are located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest at Walthamstow. They form part of the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain which supplies drinking water to London, and are owned and managed by Thames Water.... |
178.3 | 440.6 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1004304,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Walthamstow Walthamstow Walthamstow is a district of northeast London, England, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is situated north-east of Charing Cross... |
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| Wansunt Pit | 1.91 | 4.72 | and | 1990 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003328,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Dartford Dartford Dartford is the principal town in the borough of Dartford. It is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, England, east south-east of central London.... |
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| Wimbledon Common | 346.5 | 856.2 | 1986 | http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1004317,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL | Wimbledon Wimbledon, London Wimbledon is a district in the south west area of London, England, located south of Wandsworth, and east of Kingston upon Thames. It is situated within Greater London. It is home to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and New Wimbledon Theatre, and contains Wimbledon Common, one of the largest areas... |
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External links
- Mayor of London, London’s foundations: protecting the geodiversity of the capital, March 2009 Geological SSSIs in Greater London