Scrubland

Scrub usually occurs as a transitional stage in the succession from grassland to woodland, notably where grassland has been left unmanaged. However it is an important habitat for an array of species, predominantly birds, as it provides ideal cover for nesting, feeding and breeding.

There are some important sites within the borough that contain scrub, and these tend to be the Commons where grazing has ceased and succession has progressed, such as on Barnes Common where there is gorse and broom. However one of the most important is Ham Lands Local Nature Reserve, which is noteworthy for the number of song thrush territories.