| Bradlaugh Fields | |
|---|---|
 Wansunt Pit | |
 Interactive map of Bradlaugh Fields | |
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | London Borough of Bexley |
| OS grid | TQ 506 739 |
| Area | 22.3 hectares |
| Managed by | London Wildlife Trust |
Braeburn Park is a 22.3-hectare (55-acre) nature reserve inCrayford in theLondon Borough of Bexley. It is managed by theLondon Wildlife Trust,[1] and includesWansunt Pit, a 1.9-hectare (4.7-acre) geologicalSite of Special Scientific Interest.[2]
The area was once used for market gardening; there were orchards, and the Old Crayford Gun Club had been based here. Later, like much of the nearbyDartford Heath, the site was extensively quarried (notably forsand), until it was finallyinfilled and abandoned in the 1980s; after which time it gradually reverted to nature.[3] Habitats now includeruderal scrub, grassland and woodland. There is a wide variety of invertebrates, including rare ones such asskipping flower beetles andpicture-winged flies.[1] There is also a pond, and many common bird species.[2] Reptiles catalogued here include thegrass snake,common lizard andslow-worm. There is access to the reserve from Lower Station Road and Galloway Drive, Crayford.[1]
A large housing development called Braeburn Park was built here byTaylor Wimpey in 2000. A promised adjacent 17 hectare nature conservation area was finally added in 2014 thanks to resources and management provided byThe Land Trust andLondon Wildlife Trust.[4]
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51°26′43″N0°10′20″E / 51.4453°N 0.1722°E /51.4453; 0.1722
