Southwood Open Space

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Southwood Open Space is a 12.9 hectare Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Old Malden in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in London. It is a linear park along the Hogsmill River between the Kingston Bypass opposite Elmbridge Avenue and the junction between the Hogsmill and a footpath to Manor Drive North. [1] [2]

The name Southwood Open Space is only used on the Natural England database of LNRs, and it is more commonly regarded as part of the Hogsmill River Park [3] or Hogsmill Valley, which extends north to Elmbridge Open Space LNR. Hogsmill Valley is designated a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1. [4] [5]

The site is mainly grassland, with hedgerows of elm scrub. These were mainly dominated by elm trees until they were destroyed by Dutch Elm Disease. [6]

The London Loop long-distance walk goes through the park.

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Hogsmill River Park or Hogsmill Valley is a linear park along the banks of the Hogsmill River in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in London. It stretches from the junction of Surbiton Hill Park and Elmbridge Avenue in Berrylands in the north to the junction between the river and a footpath to Manor Close in Old Malden in the south.

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References

  1. "Southwood Open Space". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  2. "Map of Southwood Open Space". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  3. "Hogsmill River Park". London Parks and Gardens Trust. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  4. "Hogsmill Valley". Greenspace Information for Greater London. 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  5. "iGiGL data portal (map)". Greenspace Information for Greater London. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  6. "Thames Down Link" (PDF). Surrey County Council. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2014.

Coordinates: 51°23′10″N0°16′09″W / 51.3861°N 0.2693°W / 51.3861; -0.2693