Sydenham Hill Wood

General information

Sydenham Hill Wood is a south London nature reserve managed by London Wildlife Trust. The site contains a mix of ancient and more modern woodland, supporting a rich variety of wildlife including woodpeckers, rare insects, bats and fungi. More than 1000 species of plant, fungus and animal have been recorded.

Combined with the adjacent Dulwich Wood, Sydenham Hill Wood forms the largest remaining tract of the ‘Great North Wood’ which once stretched across south east London from Deptford to Selhurst.

The wood is home to over 200 species of trees and flowering plants including wild garlic, early dog violet and bugle. A multitude of fungi, rare insects, birds and elusive woodland mammals are also present.

London Wildlife Trust has managed the site since 1982 with the support of local people, ensuring it remains a valuable reserve for the continued benefit of wildlife and the public.

The Nunhead to Crystal Palace (Higher Level) railway line once passed through the site. The path of the disused track leads to a disused tunnel, now used as a roost by bats.