Forgotten railway lines often fade into obscurity. But here at Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve, the past has bloomed into a haven.
This small nature reserve sits in St Johns, part of the London Borough of Lewisham. It has been officially designated a local nature reserve. Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve occupies a disused railway embankment. The railway used to run between Brookmill Road and the Lewisham to St Johns railway line. Operations ceased in 1916 due to wartime measures. The tracks were removed in 1929.
Lewisham Council purchased the land in 1979. With help from the local London Wildlife Trust branch, they established this nature reserve. Initially, the vegetation consisted of bramble, ivy, and cow parsley. Since then, species like yellow archangel and wood anemone have been introduced.
Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve boasts three small ponds. You can also find a stand of stag’s-horn sumach here. In 1981, the Lewisham Group of the London Wildlife Trust created a management plan. They also organized regular working parties to maintain the site.
David Larkin, a local London Wildlife Trust member, dedicated considerable time to managing and monitoring Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve. Thanks to his efforts, it has become an educational site featuring diverse habitats.
The embankment’s steep sides are wooded. Sycamore trees once dominated the area. Many were removed and replaced with native species. These include hornbeam and hazel. A large plum tree offers fruit in late summer. Birds and humans alike enjoy this bounty.
Brookmill Nature Reserve is part of a former railway embankment. This embankment stretched from Nunhead to Greenwich Park. It was completed in 1888. The railway operated for 28 years. After the war, the western section was re-routed to Lewisham. The rest was abandoned.
The site remained untouched until 1979. Lewisham Council then bought the land from British Rail. The ground here is Upper Chalk. However, the embankment primarily consists of artificial materials. It is a short section of embankment. It features steep sides and a flat top.
Flora suggests the soil is calcareous. The site is largely enclosed. Brookmill Road borders its eastern side. Iron railings and two gates provide access. Private gardens border the northern and southern sides. Active railway land borders the western side.
Three ponds exist on the site. Each has a different construction. A wooden shed sits just inside the northern gate. It serves as a tool store. A path encircles the site. Steps near the western end allow crossing the embankment. Another path extends along the flat top of the embankment.
In 2020, new steps and a footpath were built. This improved access around the site. New gates were installed to create a more welcoming entrance. Today, the reserve is usually locked. However, regular conservation work days are held. Local schools frequently use the site for environmental education. A friends group organizes volunteering activities and guided walks.
So, while Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve might appear small, it represents a significant transformation. From a forgotten railway line to a thriving habitat, it exemplifies what dedication and community involvement can achieve. Keep an eye on the reserve’s website for upcoming events. Consider joining the Friends of Brookmill Road Local Nature Reserve. Your involvement can help preserve this urban oasis for generations to come.