Bursted Woods is small area of woodland dominated by old, outgrown Sweet Chestnut coppice, with Oak, and adjoining mown grassland with a more eclectic mix of scattered trees, including several Poplars. It is situated on Erith Road near Barnehurst railway station. The woodland under-storey has Elder, Holly, Cherry, a few Hawthorn, Yew and Bramble. Amongst the ground flora are some indicator species for ancient woodland. Despite heavy usage it is fairly litter-free. Issues include the prevalence of hybrid native x Spanish Bluebells, which are gradually being removed, and an apparent increase in recently trodden pathways where there were none before, which is going to reduce the amount of flowers if not checked.
All photos by Chris Rose.
Some general views:
Sundown over the west end of the wood, 16/3/2018.
Bursted Woods open space in the snow, looking west, 17/3/2018.
Inside Bursted Woods, 17/3/2018.
A tracery of Silver Birch in a more open area. 17/3/18.
The setting sun catches the tops of the trees on the north east corner of the wood. 28/3/18.
Bursted Woods. Remnant of long-dead coppice stool front left. Live stool with regrowth centre-right. 5/4/18.
Copse and north margin of Bursted Woods, looking south-east. 16/4/18.
Some spring plants:
Some well-meaning person (or more) has planted a number of different Daffodil cultivars, mainly on the eastern edge of the wood. With none of the native species present, at least they can’t cause hybridisation problems.
Daffodil cultivars, Bursted Woods. 2/4/18.
Daffodil cultivar, Bursted Woods. 2/4/18.
Daffodil cultivars, Bursted Woods. 2/4/18.
Daffodil cultivar, Bursted Woods. 16/4/18.
The ferny leaves of Pignut
(Conopodium majus) emerging through last year’s leaf-litter. A member of the carrot family, it has a bulbous edible root. 2/4/18.
There are two patches of Climbing Corydalis (Ceratocapnos claviculata) in the wood. Here seedlings are coming up amongst Bluebell foliage and leaf litter. The only other known location for it in the Borough is Lesnes Abbey woods.
Lords and Ladies/Cuckoo Pint (Arum maculatum). A fairly well-spotted plant. Many are plain green.
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) seems to be present in only one small area of a few square metres at Bursted Woods. 16/4/18.
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemoralis) is plentiful in Bursted Woods. The flowers close up for the night and are pretty much shut by late afternoon. 16/4/18.
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is a member of the buttercup family that survives summer/autumn dormancy by means of small underground tubers. 16/4/18.
Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) seems to be scattered and none too prolific in Bexley. Here are two of three shoots coming up in Bursted Woods. There is also a small patch at nearby Barnehurst railway station. The flowers are Beetroot-purple and the leaves unpleasantly scented if crushed. 16/4/18.
The emerging leaves of Poplars in the grassland area give off a strong but pleasant Balsam scent, detectable over a distance. 16/4/18.
Daisies (Bellis perennis), with the northern margin of Bursted Woods on the horizon. 16/4/18.
Chris Rose
what’s the history of these beautiful woods I spent so much of my childhood in ?
Have you seen the council plans for the area adjacent to Bursted Wood
https://www.bexleycohomes.co.uk/news/bursted-woods-site-public-consultation-feedback-opportunity/
The development feels completely out of character for the area and will likely have a huge impact on wildlife and the ancient woodland, not only when developing the site but also light and noise pollution thereafter. There is a deadline for responses to the planning application by 13th February 2024.
Be really interested in your views of the potential impact on the site.
The planning application is 23/03414/FULM, planning case officer for responses is mitchell.kitts@bexley.gov.uk