Eltham Common

A 49-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest in Eltham, Eltham Common is one of the last surviving fragments of the ancient lowland heath that once covered much of south-east London. Managed as a nature reserve, it's home to rare invertebrates, lizards, and a rich variety of birds alongside its open heathland and scrub. For families, it's a fantastic place for nature exploration — bugs under logs, lizard-spotting in sunny patches, and open running across the heath. Much less visited than nearby parks and all the better for it.