Designated Sites

There are no National Site Networks (NSN), Ramsar sites or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within close proximity to the Shepley Mill study area. The following statutory sites and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are within 1 km of Wilderness Island.

Wilderness Island lies between two arms of the River Wandle (Carshalton and Croydon) and supports a mosaic of different habitats including ponds, a sedge bed, secondary woodland, scrub, and neutral grassland. 39 bird species have been recorded and regular sightings include kingfisher (resident on the River Wandle), great spotted woodpecker, whitethroat, bullfinch, goldfinch, grey wagtail and redpoll.

  • Sutton Ecology Centre Grounds (LNR) (1km from site);

  • The Spinney, Carshalton (LNR) (250m from site); and

  • Wilderness Island (LNR) (0m from site).

There are seven Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) within 1 km of Wilderness Island

  • Upper River Wandle (M091)

  • Beddington Farmlands (M092)

  • Beddington park (SuB103)

  • Sutton Ecology Centre (SuB104)

  • Carshalton Ponds

  • Grove and All Saints Churchyard (SuB1102)

  • Spinney (nightingale Road Bird Sanctuary (SuL08)

Ecology and Geomorphology