Ruffett and Big Woods explained

Map:Greater London
Coords:51.329°N -0.162°W
County:Greater London
Country:England
Grid Ref Uk:TQ281604
Area:7ha
Authority:Woodland Trust

Ruffett Wood and Big Wood are adjoining woods with a total area of 7ha on the border of the London Borough of Sutton, close to the village of Woodmansterne. Big Wood is to the south and Ruffett Wood (sometimes shown as Ruffet Wood) is to the north. They are owned by Sutton Council and managed by the Woodland Trust.[1] [2] They are designated a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1.[3] The woods are the largest continuous area of woodland in the borough of Sutton.[4]

Ruffett Wood is mainly sycamore, with some ash and hazel. It has some plant species indicative of ancient woodland, such as bluebells, dog's mercury and sanicle. Big Wood is even more dominated by sycamore, and has two large oaks, but due to shading by a high canopy it lacks indicator species apart from one stand of wood anemone. The site also has numerous bird species.[4]

There is access from Richland Avenue.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ruffett and Big Woods. Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 7 March 2013 . 18 March 2014.
  2. Web site: Map of Ruffett and Big Woods. Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 18 March 2014.
  3. Web site: Ruffett, Big Wood and adjacent meadow. Greenspace Information for Greater London. 2013. 18 March 2014.
  4. Web site: Ruffett and Bigwood LNR. London Borough of Sutton. 18 March 2014.