Inventory Site Record

Russia Dock was once was part of the Surrey Commercial Docks created in 1864 when the various companies owning Rotherhithe's C19th commercial docks amalgamated. Surrey Docks came to cover over 185 hectares, and was particularly important for imported timber. The Docks were finally closed in 1969; the linear wooded park was created by LB Southwark in 1980 from the former Russia Dock basin and part of the old canal wall and boat moorings are still visible. It contains a water feature that connects streams, a canal and lagoon, and two ponds. Numerous species of trees and shrubs were planted.

Previous / Other name:

Surrey Commercial Docks

Site location:

off Redriff Road

Postcode:

SE16

What 3 Words:

amber.natively.risks

Type of site:

Public Open Land

Borough:

Southwark

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Events:

Public transport:

Tube: Canada Water (Jubilee). London Overground: Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe then bus. Bus: 381, C10

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/04/2011

Last minor changes:

14/07/2022

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.southwark.gov.uk/parks; www.russiadockwood.ukfriends.com

Following a gradual deterioration of the park, funding was awarded for improvements by LB Southwark in 2001 and a steering group of local residents and Council officers was set up to address the overgrown state of the park, and repair need for the bridges, security, lighting, water features and signage. Friends of Russia Dock Woodland was set up in 2003 and in 2009 the park was awarded the London Tree and Woodland Award.

Sources consulted:

John Archer, Bob Britton, Robert Burley, Tony Hare, Ian Yarham, 'Nature Conservation in Southwark' Ecology Handbook 12, London Ecology Unit, 1989;

Grid ref:

TQ361796 (536150,179650)

Size in hectares:

9.762

Site ownership:

LB Southwark

Site management:

Parks; Russia Dock Woodland Steering Group. Friends of Russia Dock Woodland

Date(s):

1980

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

None

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

Yes - Borough Importance I

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

Yes

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Ecology Site, Tier Two. Regeneration Area. Green Chain Walk

Russia Dock Woodland - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 23/03/11 15:25

Click a photo to enlarge.

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