Wild Carshalton: diverse wildlife in suburbia

David Attenborough was the star of Wild London on BBC TV. So we thought it would be fun to see what kind of wildlife is specifically in and around Carshalton. Here’s a small collection of images exclusive to Secret Carshalton. Please feel free to share your own images in the comments below.

Carshalton has a diverse range of bird life who visit Carshalton Ponds and nearby Beddington Park and Farmlands. Being on the border of Surrey, badgers and Skylarks have also been spotted. Here’s our list…

Deer

This animal was photographed in fields behind Mayfield Lavender. Deer have been spotted by Carshalton Ponds, but not in a long time.

Foxes

This fox was spotted whilst out walking at Queen Mary’s Park in Carshalton. It has a squirrel in its mouth, ready for a meal.

Badgers

Badgers have been spotted in back gardens at Little Woodcote Estate.

Water Voles

There are plans to re-introduce this small mammal to the River Wandle. The London Wildlife Trust is managing rewilding efforts in the borough.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are present across the borough, and most often seen in back gardens. In terms of conservation, residents are advised to leave space at the bottom of fences to allow easy travel.

Herons

A usually elusive bird, it is widespread at Carshalton Ponds.

Pigeons

This adaptable bird can be seen in high numbers at The Grove in Carshalton. Here they are pecking at the lime mortar in an old wall by Carshalton Ponds.

Storks

The surrounding area attracts many species. Some notable mentions are a Stork spotted at Beddington Farmlands. They went extinct in Britain in the 1400s. There are plans to introduce Storks at Dagenham in Essex, though nothing is in mind for Sutton as far as we know.

Birds of Prey

In terms of birds of prey Sparrowhawks and Buzzards have been seen in the area. In Beddington Park there are Little Owls. There are a breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons on top of Quadrant House in Sutton. Incidentally, Skylarks have been known to frequent the Little Woodcote Estate (though not a bird of prey, of course).

Squirrels

Common in The Grove, they make a stroll more entertaining with their inquisitive nature.

What have you spotted?

Let us know in the comments below, and please feel free to upload a photo too!

© Images Secret Carshalton. Main image BBC.