Downlands Trust
  • What we do
    • Our history
    • How the money is spent
    • Governance
  • Apply for a Grant
  • Support Us
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Corporate support
    • Leave a legacy
  • Countryside Management
    • Chalk Grassland
    • Downlands Partnership
    • Volunteering >
      • Downlands Partnership
      • Local Groups
    • Old Lodge Farm
    • Walk the Chalk
    • South London Downs National Nature Reserve
  • Links
  • Join
  • Contact Us

SOUTH LONDON DOWNS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

We were delighted when large areas of chalk downland were declared the South London Downs National Nature Reserve in July 2019. The reserve covers 417 hectares along the border of Croydon and Surrey and is the second largest NNR in London after Richmond Park. Jointly managed by the City of London Corporation and Croydon Council, the new NNR brings together 152.5 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for nature, including Riddlesdown, Farthing Downs, New Hill and Happy Valley, with non-SSSI sites of value to wildlife. These include Coulsdon Common, Kenley Common, Hawkhurst and the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area. 

The NNR will be at the heart of recovering nature across South London, improving and connecting areas that will benefit wildlife and people. It seeks to enhance the management of the area for wildlife, while creating a site where people can enjoy, learn and engage with the natural world. 
​

Picture
The reserve covers 417 hectares along the border of Croydon and Surrey and is the second largest NNR in London after Richmond Park.

Jointly managed by the City of London Corporation and Croydon Council, the new NNR brings together…

152.5 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for nature, including:
  • Riddlesdown
  • Farthing Downs
  • New Hill
  • Happy Valley
with non-SSSI sites of value to wildlife, including:
  • Coulsdon Common
  • Kenley Common
  • Hawkhurst
  • Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area
The new NNR will be at the heart of recovering nature across South London, improving and connecting areas that will benefit wildlife and people. It seeks to enhance the management of the area for wildlife, while creating a site where people can enjoy, learn and engage with the natural world.

Click here to download a copy of the formal declaration, including detailed maps.

​Registered Charity No 1126535. Registered Company No 6661092
​Registered Address: 46 Wilmot Way, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2PY
  • What we do
    • Our history
    • How the money is spent
    • Governance
  • Apply for a Grant
  • Support Us
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Corporate support
    • Leave a legacy
  • Countryside Management
    • Chalk Grassland
    • Downlands Partnership
    • Volunteering >
      • Downlands Partnership
      • Local Groups
    • Old Lodge Farm
    • Walk the Chalk
    • South London Downs National Nature Reserve
  • Links
  • Join
  • Contact Us