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This
is the best remaining part of the ancient Enfield Chase with
diverse woodland, meadow and wetland habitats which support an
abundance of wildlife.
There are two
main areas of woodland, primarily oak and hornbeam with some
beech, rowan and silver birch. The woods are rich in birdlife
including woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, warblers and tits.
At the
southern end of Pond Wood there is an ancient meadow with woodland
on three sides and Turkey Brook on the fourth. The meadow is being
conserved with the help of Shetland sheep whose grazing stops the
scrub encroaching. The meadow is rich in invertebrates, including
butterflies, grasshoppers and large numbers of old ant hills.
The lake at
the southern end is gradually being colonised by plantlife such as
common reedmace and gipsywort. It supports large numbers of
dragonflies including the ruddy darter.
The reserve
is leased by the Trust from the London Borough of Enfield.
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