Description
Hampstead Heath is an ancient heath in London. This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London. The heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands. The south-east part of the heath is Parliament Hill, from which the view over London is protected by law. Running along its eastern perimeter is a chain of ponds.
Over 180 bird species have been recorded on the Heath. Summer visitors include pěnice hnědokřídlá, budníček větší, budníček menší, vlaštovka obecná, rorýs obecný, lejsek šedý and pěnice černohlavá. Autumn visitors are bramborníček hnědý and bělořit šedý. Winter visitors include drozd cvrčala, drozd kvíčala, čížek lesní and čečetka zimní. Water birds include ledňáček říční, konipas horský, polák chocholačka, potápka roháč, polák velký and kachnička mandarinská. Open heath birds include stehlík obecný, poštolka obecná, konopka obecná, skřivan polní and drozd brávník. Woodland birds include hýl obecný, králíček obecný, brhlík lesní, puštík obecný and strakapoud velký.
The best birding is done near the Highgate Ponds, the woodland to the west of Parliament Hill and the woodland alongside and east of Spaniards Road.
Details
Access
Hampstead Heath is located four miles north of the centre of London. The main public transport options are the Northern Line and the Overground. The Northern Line will be easiest if you are coming from the centre of London, and the Overground will likely be the better option if you’re coming from the east or west. Journey times from the centre of London, say Kings Cross station, will be around 30-45 minutes. The nearest stations are marked with a star. There’s plenty of places to lock up a bike. Please don’t drive unless you really have to - parking is limited.
There are many paths to explore the area. The 7 km circular walk shown on the map is just a suggestion.
