Beneath a canopy of ancient trees lies West Heath. It is a hidden gem within South East London. West Heath offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle.
West Heath is situated in the London Borough of Bexley. It nestles south of Abbey Wood and north of Welling. This location makes it easily accessible. Three Transport for London bus services connect West Heath to Bexleyheath. They also go to Abbey Wood, Erith, Woolwich, Thamesmead and North Greenwich.
The nearest rail link is at Abbey Wood station. This provides easy access to West Heath. The area boasts a rich history. Samuel Hulse once lived at West Heath House. He was one of its notable residents.
West Heath forms part of the larger Hampstead Heath. Hampstead Heath’s history stretches back centuries. In medieval times, the area was mainly rough moorland. It contrasted with the farmland south and west of Hampstead town.
West Heath was historically valuable to commoners. They had rights to grazing, gathering and digging. The heath was first recorded in 1312. It was described as “a certain heath.” It supplied brushwood worth 2 shillings a year.
By 1543 it was called Hampstead Heath. Springs there were intended to supply London with water. Hunting and hawking were forbidden in 1545. This preserved game for the king.
The herbalist John Gerard explored Hampstead Heath. He found plants native to marshes and dry mountains. His work attracted many plant hunters.
Changes to West Heath came through tree felling and planting. John Turner planted firs near the Spaniard’s Inn in the 1730s. Municipal improvements began in the late 19th century.
Until the end of the 17th century Hampstead Heath had no large ponds. The Hampstead Water Co. created reservoirs. They dammed Hampstead brook. Leg of Mutton pond on West Heath was likely dammed in 1816. This was to employ the poor. Sandy Road nearby was sometimes known as Hankins’s folly.
West Heath’s physical appearance resulted from its sandy ridge. This ridge runs from Highgate to Hampstead. Rainwater penetrates the sand but is forced out by clay. This creates springs and swampy hollows.
Digging and quarrying shaped West Heath for centuries. Sand and gravel were sold to the Islington turnpike trustees. Concerns arose about the dangerous pits. They spoiled the beauty of the heath.
Despite this, the landscape was admired. Vegetation mixed with red and yellow sand. Picnickers enjoyed the ridges and hollows. Dickens thought some pits were an improvement.
West Heath became a recognized beauty spot. This was especially true as London grew grimy. Poets and painters found inspiration here. Constable captured the heath’s openness to the elements.
Today West Heath remains a vital green space. It offers diverse habitats for wildlife. Hampstead Heath has acid grassland and heathland. There are woodlands and hedgerows. You can find wildflower meadows and streams. The area has over 30 lakes and ponds.
Hampstead Heath is home to interesting mammals. These include moles hedgehogs and muntjac deer. There are 650 types of wildflower. You can spot 180 species of bird. These include kingfishers and woodpeckers. There are nine species of bat, six species of reptile snake and amphibian. You might see 25 species of butterfly. 18 species of dragonfly and damselfly call the area home. Also, there are 400 species of moth. You may even spot 650 species of beetle. There are 200 species of spider.
The Heath has 400 veteran trees. They are full of nooks for birds bugs and fungi. 800 types of fungi help invertebrates live on old trees.
West Heath offers a unique blend of history and nature. It provides a valuable escape. Its diverse landscape continues to inspire.