Green London: Brockwell Park in South London

I took this photo from within a grove of oak trees in Brockwell Park, one of the largest green spaces in South East London. As well as hosting numerous official festivals and community events, the park is often unofficially used by local pagan groups for private seasonal celebrations. 

Covering over 125 acres and set on a gentle hill, it has ponds, a variety of trees including ancient oaks, a walled garden and wildflower meadows. The area was originally private land, but the Metropolitan Board of Works took it over in the late 19th century, then laid it out as a public park. It formally opened in 1892.

While humans can only officially go there between 7.30am and just before sunset each day, at night it's home to a colony of pipistrelle bats and other wildlife. The park is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Over the past couple of years I've been blogging about London's green spaces in an effort to dispel a prevalent myth in the pagan community that it's just all concrete. Brockwell Park is a really good example of a place where Londoners can enjoy nature. If you want to visit, it's close to Herne Hill train station, just south of Brixton. You can find out more about the park here: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/parks/brockwell-park

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/06/green-london-lincolns-inn-fields.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/08/green-london-ruins-of-st-dunstans-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/07/green-london-st-jamess-park-ghost-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/green-london-richmond-park-national.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/06/green-london-south-norwood-country-park.html