It is part of the Maryon Wilson Park and Gilbert's Pit Local Nature Reserve.

[1][2] Charlton sandpits, which were originally part of an area known as Hanging Wood, were presented to the London County Council in 1891 by the Maryon-Wilson family, and one of the pits became Maryon Park.

[5] This was a wild wooded area and formed an ideal retreat for highwaymen who robbed travellers on Shooters Hill and Blackheath.

Adjacent to the park to the south is Gilbert's Pit, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The similarly named Maryon Wilson Park is located south of Gilbert's Pit.