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. 
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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.