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Hampstead Heath

London  >  United Kingdom

A wild park of open grassland, deciduous woodland, bog and 25 ponds, spanning 320 hectares, less than four miles from the centre of London.

Added* by Nick Young
Most recent update 7 november 2024

Description

Hampstead Heath is an ancient heath in London. This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London. The heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands. The south-east part of the heath is Parliament Hill, from which the view over London is protected by law. Running along its eastern perimeter is a chain of ponds.

Over 180 bird species have been recorded on the Heath. Summer visitors include Mezei poszáta, fitiszfüzike, Csilpcsalpfüzike, Füsti fecske, Sarlósfecske, Szürke légykapó and Barátposzáta. Autumn visitors are rozsdás csuk and Hantmadár. Winter visitors include szőlőrigó, fenyőrigó, Csíz and Zsezse. Water birds include Jégmadár, hegyi billegető, Kontyos réce, Búbos vöcsök, Barátréce and Mandarinréce. Open heath birds include tengelic, vörös vércse, Kenderike, Mezei pacsirta and Léprigó. Woodland birds include Süvöltő, sárgafejű királyka, Csuszka, Macskabagoly and Nagy fakopáncs.

The best birding is done near the Highgate Ponds, the woodland to the west of Parliament Hill and the woodland alongside and east of Spaniards Road.

Details

Access

Hampstead Heath is located four miles north of the centre of London. The main public transport options are the Northern Line and the Overground. The Northern Line will be easiest if you are coming from the centre of London, and the Overground will likely be the better option if you’re coming from the east or west. Journey times from the centre of London, say Kings Cross station, will be around 30-45 minutes. The nearest stations are marked with a star. There’s plenty of places to lock up a bike. Please don’t drive unless you really have to - parking is limited.

There are many paths to explore the area. The 7 km circular walk shown on the map is just a suggestion.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland

Conditions

Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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