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.
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