Sutcliffe Park
Just across the road from Cator Park South, residents and visitors can explore Sutcliffe Park which is not only a Green Flag public park but also a local nature reserve. Offering a peaceful and green escape in the heart of Kidbrooke.
Formerly part of Eltham Common, the vast green space was used for recreational purposes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, during the mid-20th century, the park underwent significant changes as the Kidbrooke Housing estate was developed and upon re-opening in 1937 it was renamed Sutcliffe Park after a former Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor Richard Sutcliffe.
The Environment Agency radically re-landscaped Sutcliffe Park in 2003. The central area was lowered to create a flood plain and the river Quaggy, which flows through the park was returned to its meandering course through the meadow, creating wetlands and wildlife habitats in the process. These improvements not only enhanced the park’s ecological diversity but also helped manage flood risk in the area.
In 2006 the central wetland of the park was designated a local nature reserve and in 2007 it won the 2007 Living Wetlands Award.
Today, it is rich in wildlife and the lake and smaller ponds provide a home for a variety of birds, animals and plants. Dragonflies, damselflies, herons, little egrets, kingfishers and reed warblers have all been sighted, and the annual ‘swanwatch’ attracts much attention every year.
The park even has a dedicated Friends of Sutcliffe Park group who regularly post updates on Facebook and Twitter of the wildlife spotted in the area and work that is undertaken to maintain the nature reserve.
In 2023 Berkeley, ArtFix and the Royal Borough of Greenwich sponsored Friends of Sutcliffe Park’s Wildlife Photography competition which saw over 70 entries. Kidbrooke Village resident, Ranjit Kaur, saw her photograph titled ‘The Duchess of Sutcliffe Park’ named as the winner. She received a £200 experience voucher from Berkeley, along with a bird feeder, food basket and café voucher from Artfix, garden centre voucher from Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and a wildlife photography book.
Sports facilities
In February 2018 Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre opened following extensive investment from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The athletics track which was originally built in the 1950’s and home to the famous Cambridge Harriers Athletics was upgraded, along with an inside track, gymnastics hall, clip and climb walls, soft play and café facilities. Making it one of the best equipped sports centres in South London.
For more information you can visit Better’s website.
