Bexley - east London

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Crossness offers the last remaining areas of grazing marsh land within the Greater London area, and the wildlife and habitats associated with it.

Points of interest

Twenty hectare site containing one of the last remaining areas of grazing marsh in Greater London, and the largest reedbed in Bexley. Other habitats include a network of ditches and open water, scrub and rough grassland.

Site facilities

Open access (some restricted areas)

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Wildlife encouraged

We have successfully encouraged wildlife habitats on our reserve:

• Birds, including barn owls, have made use of a purpose-built nest box.
• Water voles are making themselves at home in new wetland habitats.
• Many invertebrates live amongst the reed beds, as do wading birds.

Community events and open days

Through our friends scheme we hold community events and open days to introduce our unique area, plus talks and guided walks to raise awareness a new environment.

Several events are held through the year, in the past these have included a:  

• Water vole awareness day
• Moth identification night
• Bird ringing demonstration
• Bat walk

Crossness Southern Marshes

Historically Erith, Dartford and Crayford marshes were all joined together as one large open area of land.

Since then development has taken place, and although the marshes are now separated physically, they still have similar characteristics.

Several organisations are working alongside one another to ensure that the areas are managed sensitively.

They have developed a new exciting initiative called 'managing the marshes'.

We are proud to be actively involved in this initiative and look forward to welcoming more nature enthusiasts onto the nature reserve and the southern marshes to explore this wonderful environment.

How to get there

Abbey Wood Rail Station (then a 229 to Crossway and walk along Thames Path) or Belvedere Rail Station (then a 401 bus to Eastern Way) to join the reserve from Norman Road entrance.

Buses: Norman Road: 180, 401, 601

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