Blackheath

Blackheath has a high vantage point beside the Thames, commanding a fine prospect over the capital, with views from Point Hill over Essex, Kent and Surrey. The heath is jointly managed by Lewisham and Greenwich councils, the borough boundary being the A2 trunk road which bisects the heath. The site is a World Heritage Site buffer zone due to its situation adjacent to Greenwich Park World Heritage Site.

The face of the heath, originally covered with gorse and heathland, has changed due to intensive management of the site. Some areas of the original acid grassland are managed to grow long, giving wild flowers a chance to set seed and providing habitat for butterflies, grasshoppers and other invertebrates. These areas are obvious in spring when they are tinted red by the flowers of sheep's sorrel. The heath is home to a substantial population of stag beetles, which are now endangered.

Four ponds exist on the site - the Hare and Billet pond is abundant with wildlife and has the most natural appearance.

In the past, as the heath was crossed by the major route south through London, it was a natural assembly area for some of our most famous historical characters, probably the most notable being Henry V who met Londoners here on his return from triumph at Agincourt. The road from the heath to Dover was also favoured by highwaymen as the gorse and old pits offered good hiding places - the notorious Dick Turpin frequented the area in the 1730s.

A host of events, social and political, have continued to utilise this public space, from suffragette marches to prime ministers rallying support. The first fair was held during the 17th century and fairs still feature in annual activities today. The heath also stages the start of the annual London Marathon and hosts London's largest free firework displays each November. The heath is patrolled daily by park keepers who are based at the Talbot Road changing rooms.