Stave Hill Ecological Park and Russia Dock Woodland is a natural area in Rotherhithe. It boasts a hill that gives you amazing views of London, open green spaces, woodlands and ponds. It’s a great place to explore if you fancy getting in touch with nature. Or you want the kids to find out more about the real birds and bees. Stave Hill Ecological Park and Russia Dock Woodland are ideal if you are looking for London walks, things to do in South East London or places to explore at the weekend. Adults and kids will love the area because it is scenic and has a relaxed family vibe. The Rotherhithe Peninsular in Southwark SE1 has a lot to offer so that you can continue somewhere else afterwards.
Woodland Walks
Stave Hill Ecological Park and Russia Dock Woodland Highlights
Stave Hill is an actual hill, and there is an Ecological Park with trees. It is difficult to tell whether you are in Stave Hill Ecological Park or Russia Dock Woodland because it merges into one. Just wander around and enjoy being in a natural oasis. You can look at a map while walking if you want to find out exactly where you are.
Stave Hill Stairs
Stave Hill is a 9.1-meter hill that has been artificially made using the waste from building work undertaken during the area’s redevelopment in 1986. It is set on the site of Stave Dock, hence the name. A set of concrete stairs will take you to the top of the mound. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Canary Wharf, the City of London and beyond. Choose a clear and sunny day to maximise those views.
Stave Hill View
Take a look at the cast bronze map of the former docks made by Michael Rizello, which you can see on top of the hill.
Cast Bronze Map
Locate the entrance to Stave Hill Ecological Park, which you will find near Stave Hill. Enter through the timber frame arch, and you can explore beautiful overgrown areas with woodland plants and beautiful trees. The woodland trees include Cockspur, Italian Alder Trees, Holm Oak, English Oak and Elder.
Wildflowers
Wildflowers have been sown to provide nectar for butterflies, moths, bees and hoverflies. These include Trefoil, Yellow Rattle, Bird’s foot and Small Scabious. Some of the pretty flowers dotted around are Cowslip, English Bluebell, Red Campion and Yellow Flag. With winding paths, overground patches and wild-growing plants, it feels like you are in the countryside.
Pretty Flowers
Russia Dock Woodland was created by filling in Russia Dock, Island Dock and Surrey Basin. The Dock was previously used to import ‘deal wood’ from Russia, Norway and Sweden, which the Deal Porters handled. There is a Deal Porter’s Statue in Surrey Quays, and next to Surrey Water, you will find a path called Deal Porter’s Walk. The London Docklands Development Corporation set about redeveloping the area back in the 1970s. They planted an abundance of trees to create a beautiful woodland covering a 34.5-acre site. If you look closely, you will notice the dock edges, bollards and moorings chains along the side of the walkway.
Dock Edges and Boat Mooring
Russia Dock comprises a series of ponds, including Globe Pond and Joe’s Pond (named after a local pensioner who has now passed away). Globe Pond was one of the old Surrey Docks Ponds until the late 1970s, when finally the docks were closed and filled in. The ponds were used to float soft timber planks from Russia to Scandinavia to stop them from drying out. Today the pond is a haven for wildlife such as herons, kingfishers, coots, moorhens, mallards and swans. It is a pretty pond with reeds and wooden duck huts. You’ll probably spot a dog frolicking in the water, so make sure they don’t shake the water all over you!
Globe Pond
Information boards highlight some of the interesting things you might see. Keep your eyes open for Oak Bush Crickets, Stag Beetles, Brimstone Butterflies, Roman Snails, Common Newts, Pipistrelle Bats, Hedgehogs and Foxes.
Wildlife Information Boards
There are lots of bird boxes nailed to trees. Keep an eye out for those, and you are sure to see a few feathered friends entering their homes.
Bird Boxes
I particularly love the cute little bridges that take you over water. Several metal arches have been named and decorated. The iron benches with high slatted backs and seats are comfy and distinctive.
Love The Seating
Look out for the large compass on the pavement leading up to Russia Dock Woodland. The compass highlights the dock trade routes. There is so much to enjoy; you’ll love it!
Pavement Compass
Stave Hill Ecological Park and Russia Dock Woodland Information
For more information on Stave Hill, go to the Southwark Council Website Page or the Russia Woodland Wikipedia Page. The Trust for Urban Ecology manages the park. The address is Timber Pond Road, London SE16 6AX. The nearest stations are Canada Water (Overground and Jubilee), Surrey Quays (Overground), or Rotherhithe (Overground); the 381 bus is another way to get there.
Lavender Pond
If you have kids with you, Pearsons Park has a play area that looks nice. I also visited Lavender Pond on my visit, which is very cute. If you want to explore more, read my Tranquil Rotherhithe Village to Greenland Dock Walk, Ten Things To See in Rotherhithe Village and Lovely London Bridge to Stave Hill Walk.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
