Conservation

Northcliffe is a great place to look for wildlife, boasting a range of habitats, easily enjoyed on a network of paths. There are two areas of woodland – Northcliffe Woods on the south of the area, and Old Spring Wood adjacent to Avondale Road. Both are recognised as ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW). This means they have been continually wooded since at least 1600 and you can see several of the indicator plants for ASNW if you walk in the woods in spring, including bluebells, dog’s mercury and wood anemone.

Between the woods is a large area of grassland, managed as a meadow by an annual hay cut. Through the summer it is golden with meadow buttercups and yellow rattle, as well as an increasing number of other wildflowers. The different grasses create great texture through the meadow, as well as providing food for a range of butterflies and other invertebrates.

There are also more formal areas of flowers and trees on the peripheries of the park. Friends of Northcliffe coordinates volunteer conservation work to help manage the woodlands and some of the amenities areas. The type of work varies with the season, with much of the winter work focussing on the woodland, and a commitment in the summer to reduce the spread of the non-native Himalayan Balsam. We also help with path maintenance, some of the amenity planting and supporting resident groups to develop wildlife friendly projects in Northcliffe.

If you would like to volunteer please email friendsofnorthcliffe@gmail.com to find out what’s scheduled