Carew Manor Wetlands
Carew Manor Wetlands is a small wetlands site found within Beddington Park. The site was previously used as agricultural land before the National Rivers authority decided to create a nature study area and flood alleviation scheme in 1991. The land was then given to the Sutton Leisure Services Department and became an open access conservation site.
When Sutton Council took over a new pond was created, forming a side arm of the Wandle River. Reedmace (Typha latifolia) and willowherb can be found at the edges of the pond, as well as marginal plants like marsh marigold and willow. The pond provides a great habitat for amphbians, such as the common frog (Rana temporaria) and toads (Bufo bufo), as well as pond plants that do not tolerate the faster flowing water of the Wandle. The pond at Carew Manor Wetland also provides a good feeding areas for several bat species, such as the Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) and 45khz pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus 45kHz).
The site also contains areas of shrub and meadow, which provide seeds and nectar sources for birds and invertebrates. However, the north bank of the pond can often become dominated by brambles, so one of the key jobs that Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers carry out on site is cutting back this bramble to revert the scrub back into meadow.
Carew Manor Wetlands also contains a woody area, where species such as hawthorn, cherry, beech and oak can be found. Several garden birds use this site, including dunnock (Prunella modularis), tree sparrow (Passer montanus) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos). Even kestrels have been seen, and little owls and tawny owls use the nearby area.
Volunteer with us to protect this nature reserve in Sutton for generations to come.
