Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in New Ash Green

"It’s hard to believe that tucked away amongst the built up surroundings of Hampstead, just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square, lies 800 acres of fields and woods. Hampstead Heath transports you to the countryside, with its mosaic of habitats providing a resource for the copious amounts of wildlife. Featuring a number of priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Heath is known as one of London’s best places for wildlife."

"One of the city’s wildest green spaces, Hampstead Heath spans a huge proportion of north London. Stroll across the grass and clamber through the gnarled trees or take in the view of London from atop Parliament Hill. If you fancy a dip, the lido is on one side of the hill and the bathing ponds on the other."

"This is a very popular park/green area, as it’s a particularly beautiful spot in London that offers you stunning views of the city. There is a lovely lido too that your children will love swimming in before you find a spot to have the perfect picnic."

"While Richmond Park is by far the most famous park in the area, Old Deer Park is an open space dedicated to sports facilities and community events. It has play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor gym and sports pitches. You can also access Pools on the Park, a sports, fitness and pool complex."

"The Old Deer Park today is an important site for sport and events. The Pools on the Park Complex offers indoor and outdoor pools plus a gym. There are facilities for football, cricket, rugby, an outdoor gym and both hard and grass tennis courts."

"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."

"One of Europe’s largest inland wetland projects, this 42-hectare centre run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust was transformed from four Victorian reservoirs in 2000 and attracts some 140 species of bird, as well as frogs, butterflies, dragonflies and lizards, plus a thriving colony of watervoles. The glass-fronted observatory affords panoramic views over the lakes, while meandering paths and boardwalks lead visitors through the watery habitats of black swans, Bewick's swans, geese, red-crested pochards, sand martins, coots, bitterns, herons and kingfishers."

"Voted in 2012 as Britain’s Favourite Natural Reserve, WWT London Wetland Centre is an oasis of natural wildlife placed right in the heart of London. Managed by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this idyllic wetland reserve is located in a loop of the Thames and occupies more than 100 acres of land. Home for a significant number of unique species of birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife representatives, the Wetland Centre represents a real natural wonder."

"Just ten minutes from Hammersmith, you'll get lost in the London Wetland Centre and its lakes, ponds and gardens. Aside from the daily guided tours, you can meet the otters, feed the birds, or take part in a host of family activities such as pond dipping and nature walks."

"This farm is little further out of London, but a whole day of adventure and fun can be enjoyed here, thanks to a huge array of facilities, besides the friendly animals. There’s indoor soft play at the Bundle Barn, an alpine toboggan run, Dino Dig and Splash play area and an adventure playground. Unlike most of the other city farms in London listed, there is a small entry price for this one (£10) but this includes entry to all indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, animals, bird shows and a tractor ride to the dairy farm."

"A post shared by Georgiebd (@georgie.bd) on May 26, 2018 at 10:23am PDT. Cycle along the paths or take a stroll at Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, there is plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play."

"For a bottle shop barely a year young, Brixton-based Ghost Whale has a remarkable roster fresh-off-the-canning-line beer from around the world, including barleywines from Oklahoma aged in cognac barrels, to pink peppercorn and raspberry sours from Somerset. Much thought has been spared for the drinker, as on the website the operators painstakingly maintain a full rundown of the constantly rotating 416 (as it currently stands) beers on the shelves."

"At the forefront of London’s ramen craze, launched in 2012, Tonkotsu now has 11 London sites. While closed for eat-in customers, the restaurants’ Bankside, Battersea, Ealing, East, Mare Street, Notting Hill, Peckham, Selfridges Oxford Street, Soho, and Stratford sites are currently offering delivery and click and collect via Deliveroo. Further information can be found at tonkotsu.co.uk."

"A post shared by Tonkotsu Bar & Ramen (@tonkotsulondon) on Aug 24, 2018 at 5:19am PDT. Sometimes what you need is a big bowl of noodles, and we can't think of a better ramen offering than at Tonkotsu. The miso and shimeji mushroom ramen uses a stock that is deeply, deeply savoury with perfect bouncy homemade noodles, packed with veg and that deliciously seasoned egg on top."

"Riding the noodle new wave that started washing over London in 2012, Tonkotsu plies a no-nonsense trade in Kyoto-style ramen – distinguished by its creamy pork-bone broth. No frills and no bookings, but there are global beers for a ‘big night out’, Tokyo-style. Flagship site: 63 Dean Street, W1D 4QG"

"With a variety of rooms and menus, there's really something for everyone at Juno Rooms. Don't miss this City restaurant as it offers you stunning spaces filled with plant installations and serving up innovative cocktails alongside hearty bites."

"It is clear that nothing was an after-thought at Rotorino, every bit of this place is full of personality. Rustic vibes in the décor translate into the delicious Mediterranean plates. You can't leave without trying one of the wood-grilled meats."

"Serving a mouthwatering menu made up of creamy pasta dishes, crispy pizzas and tasty vegan dishes, Allora Hall is one of our top picks for Italian food in North London. The Crouch End spot is decked out with leafy plants, shabby chic furniture and huge windows."

"In a nutshell: Pizza and co-working in Crouch End Where is it?. 2 Park Road, London N8 8TD Why should you care?. They've had successes across town with Martello Hall and more and now the same group has arrived in Crouch End."