Southwood Open Space

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.

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.

51.3861°N 0.2693°W / 51.3861; -0.2693