Westbere Copse, Nature reserve in West Hampstead, London, England.
Westbere Copse is a woodland nature reserve spanning about 8 hectares with sycamore, oak, aspen, and ash trees forming the canopy. The lower level is filled with snowberry and elder shrubs that create a thick understory throughout the site.
The reserve was established through local efforts to protect this woodland from urban development in the decades past. The southern section was named Jenny Wood Nature Reserve in 1988 to honor a founder whose work was vital to creating this protected space.
Local volunteers play a key role in caring for the woodland and keeping it accessible to neighbors who live nearby. The place serves as a quiet retreat where people from the surrounding area can connect with nature.
The northern section is open daily, while the Jenny Wood Nature Reserve portion is accessible only on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes when visiting, as woodland paths can be muddy or uneven depending on the weather.
The woodland supports a surprising range of wildlife, including amphibians like frogs and newts alongside over 20 bird species. This biodiversity is remarkable for a forest located in the middle of a densely populated London neighborhood.
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