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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 noiembrie 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 Silvie de câmp, Pitulice fluierătoare, Pitulice mică, Rândunică, Drepnea neagră, Muscar sur and Silvie cu cap negru. Autumn visitors are Mărăcinar mare and Pietrar sur. Winter visitors include Sturzul viilor, Cocoșar, Scatiu and Inăriță. Water birds include Pescăraș albastru, Codobatură de munte, Rață moțată, Corcodel mare, Rață cu cap castaniu and Rață mandarin. Open heath birds include Sticlete, Vânturel roșu, Cânepar, Ciocârlie and Sturz de vâsc. Woodland birds include Mugurar, Aușel cu cap galben, Țiclean, Huhurez mic and Ciocănitoare pestriță mare.

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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