A local bird, the Dartford warbler, was once found upon it. Sensitive management of Bexley's lowland heathland at Lesnes Abbey Woods has been given financial support under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Fragments of heath are left but they need to be expanded. These are all very important habitats and have a magnetic appeal to all ages. A trip to one of our rivers, streams or lakes can reveal interesting wildlife.
Estuaries are exciting habitats and full of interest throughout the year.
The roosts of wading birds, ducks and geese on and around the River Thames, especially in Winter, make this area the most important estuary complex for birds in Britain. From Autumn to Spring they feed in great numbers along the shoreline. Grazing Marshes Crayford and Erith Marshes are some of the last grazing marshes left in London and are given special status in Bexley's Unitary Development Plan. Sensitive management of ditches and water levels is essential. They support important rare birds, plants and invertebrates.