The greener side of Croydon

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Croydon’s green spaces, whether you’re spreading out a picnic blanket in the sunshine or escaping into the cool of a shady woodland. We’ve by no means explored every green corner of the borough ourselves, so whenever we’re looking for somewhere new to discover, we often turn to the excellent Green Spaces Directory from the Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society (CNHSS).

We asked CNHSS president Carole Roberts why the directory matters, before inviting her to share three green spaces that are particularly close to her heart. We also invited a handful of other local people to share their own favourites, so if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore this summer, there should be plenty of inspiration.

Croydonist: Why did CNHSS decide to create the Green Spaces Directory?

Carole: The Green Spaces Directory had been part of our plans since we began thinking about our 150th anniversary celebrations for 2020 (which, as it turned out, had to be postponed until 2022).

We wanted to create a resource that would encourage more people to discover and enjoy Croydon’s wonderful green spaces. The directory brings together what we’ve learned as a society over many years, making that knowledge freely available to anyone looking for somewhere new to explore. We deliberately focused on places that the public can visit on foot, rather than including playgrounds or spaces that aren’t publicly accessible.

We were delighted when you and Andy (from Dreamabstract) helped bring the pages to life as part of our updated website in 2024–25.

Today, the directory features 116 publicly accessible parks, woodlands, commons, nature reserves and other green spaces across the borough. We were also fortunate to include Nicola Hunt’s insights from her wonderful 100 Croydon Open Spaces in 100 Days project, which she extended to cover every site featured in the directory.

Croydonist: Which three green spaces are particularly close to your heart?

Carole: What a hard question! There are so many, but if pressed to narrow it down to three…

Duppas Hill – I have a soft spot for this as Croydon’s first public open space, acquired from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1865. As the borough’s only public open space at the time, much was asked of it, but there was a determination that it should remain a natural landscape rather than become a formal park. Standing at the top of the hill looking towards Waddon, I can imagine the horse racing that once took place there when Duppas Hill stretched much further across the landscape.

See Duppas Hill Recreation Ground in the Green Spaces Directory here.

South Norwood Recreation Ground – The playground of my early childhood. It was within walking distance of home, something I completely took for granted at the time. Looking back, I realise how fortunate we are to have these green oases woven through Croydon’s residential areas. It was also the first of five open spaces acquired after Croydon’s incorporation in 1883, when the new borough set out to create a park in each of its five new wards.

See South Norwood Recreation Ground in the Green Spaces Directory here.

Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve – Secured after many years of campaigning, culminating in its protection in 1935 during a period of extensive building development in Selsdon. It was originally acquired specifically as a bird sanctuary and is still known locally by that name. Today you can wander from open meadows into peaceful ancient woodland, feeling a world away from the surrounding roads.

See Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Left: Duppas Hill. Right: South Norwood Recreation Ground. (Photos © Nicola Hunt)

Croydon’s best-loved green spaces

We asked a handful of local people to tell us about the green spaces that mean something to them. While there were plenty of hidden gems, a few places came up time and again…

Croham Hurst

If one green space captured people’s imaginations more than any other, it was Croham Hurst. Its ancient woodland, sweeping views and rich history have clearly left a lasting impression. It was a particular lockdown favourite of ours…

Jill Finch loves its sense of adventure: ‘Much of it looks like woods like any other woods, but there are some huge trees and winding pathways that make it feel magical in places. Some of the paths are super steep but once you’ve climbed to the unusual flat top – with the ancient barrow and unusual pebbled ground – you’re rewarded with an epic view. It’s curious enough to be worth a trip. Apparently there’s a local contingent that climb the hill on New Year’s Eve, drink champagne and watch the fireworks across the south of the borough!’

For Claudia Golder-Coelho, it was one of the places that made her fall in love with Croydon. ‘One of my first real “wow” moments after making Croydon my home came during a particularly cold winter’s day at Croham Hurst. Standing at the top, I looked out across Sanderstead and saw the houses and trees speckled with snow. With its woodland, ancient trees and sweeping views, it has a genuinely magical quality.’

Anna Arthur recommends it simply for its ‘ancient woodland, great views from the top, quite steep slopes.’

For Alastair McKinlay, it’s the history that fascinates him. ‘As I grew up I explored further afield and, as a keen geographer, found the high point facing south fascinating. Even more so when I discovered the evidence of Mesolithic settlement and the Bronze Age barrow. To think people were living up there between 5000 and 3000 BC is a bit mind-blowing. I love imagining what life might have been like then.’

Meanwhile, Felicity Taylor appreciates having it on her doorstep. ‘I love the peace here, especially early morning or late afternoon strolls. The view at the top is awesome and so is the sunset.’

See Croham Hurst in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Croham Hurst (left © CNHSS, right by the Croydonist)

Park Hill Recreation Ground

Another clear favourite was Park Hill Recreation Ground, valued equally for its history, community and green escape in the heart of Croydon.

For Jill Finch, it’s ‘a textbook “What a Park Should Be”. From the tennis courts to the walled garden, it feels like Croydon and community. The cherry blossoms are gorgeous in the spring, the cakes from the tea kiosk are great and it’s the classic green oasis in the centre of town. The view across the Croydon skyline from the top end is also awesome.’

Claudia Golder-Coelho describes it as ‘a real gem in the urban centre of the town, made even more magical when you discover its history as the former hunting grounds of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The cherry blossoms are glorious in spring, while the carpets of fallen leaves completely transform it in autumn.’

For Tina Crawford, it’s full of childhood memories. ‘The castle (water tower) and Flower Fairies Garden used to feel magical. Now I like it because it’s so central. I love the Water Tower Café and years ago I enjoyed doing the first mural in the shelter.’

Maddy Duxbury has equally fond memories. ‘I remember watching an outdoor film here and convincing myself I was basically in Central Park! It’s also my go-to when I need a quick dose of fresh air (one loop, not 10k steps). And when the blossoms arrive each spring, Park Hill gives Japan a run for its money. Kinda.’

See Park Hill Recreation Ground in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Park Hill Recreation Ground (left © Nicola Hunt, right by the Croydonist)

Coombe Wood Gardens

For somewhere a little quieter, several contributors recommended Coombe Wood Gardens (in our house, ‘the wood with the giant’s steps’).

Claudia Golder-Coelho loves its ‘beautiful collection of garden “rooms”, each showcasing different plants and styles of botany. It is especially vibrant at this time of year, with so many colourful flowers in bloom.’

Artist Matt Bannister describes it as ‘a secret place to escape to for thinking and drawing, with sweet gardens and a good café.’

For Samantha Foley, it’s ‘a beautiful mix of ornamental garden and forest. It’s perfect for a quiet reflective stroll, and I love bringing my son here for a good run around.’

See Coombe Wood Gardens in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Coombe Wood Gardens (left © Nicola Hunt, right by the Croydonist)

Farthing Downs

Farthing Downs was another popular choice, with its rolling hills making it feel a world away from Croydon town centre (or should that be Happy Valley?).

Poet Shaniqua Benjamin calls it ‘a beautiful space and some of the best of Croydon’s nature, including cows! I’ve enjoyed worshipping here with friends from church and ran a poetry workshop with the awesome Ameena Rojee.’

For Maddy Duxbury, ‘I remember going there for the first time and feeling a million miles from Croydon town centre – surrounded by sheep and rolling hills. Another time, I went on a nature photography walk led by Ameena Rojee. We got to meet one of the Park Rangers (who knew?) and enjoy some mindful exercises while lying down in a field. Glorious.’

See Farthing Downs in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Farthing Downs (left © Nicola Hunt, right by the Croydonist)

Kings Wood

Ancient woodland also featured highly (although for us, Kings Wood is all about the bluebells).

Alastair McKinlay grew up nearby. ‘I used to cycle around with my brother in what we thought were bomb craters but have learnt in my older years that they are, in fact, dene holes. My work with The Conservation Volunteers has also had me working in Kings Wood, primarily coppicing hazel in one of the many coupes. It’s an ancient woodland, so there have been trees there since 1600.’

For Felicity Taylor, it’s simply ‘a beautiful ancient woodland… always something to see and the place has an ancient vibe about it.’

See Kings Wood in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve (Bird Sanctuary)

The Bird Sanctuary wasn’t just one of Carole Roberts’ favourite green spaces. Several contributors highlighted this much-loved nature reserve for its woodland, meadows and wildlife (and don’t forget the bear by the car park).

Anna Arthur recommends it as ‘a great place to get lost, fabulous chestnuts in the autumn, lots of lovely open spaces, great for sledging should we ever get snow.’

Samantha Foley adds: ‘Absolutely incredible woodland. A great walk to clear your head and even better in April/May when the bluebells are out in force.’

See Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve in the Green Spaces Directory here, and our visit here.

More places to discover

Our contributors also talked about plenty of other wonderful green spaces across the borough.

For Jill Finch, Riddlesdown Common is home. ‘I’ve been walking here since I was tiny. Alongside the birds and butterflies and trees to climb (and blackcurrants to pick in autumn) and woods to explore – for me, it’s the openness, the long stretches of chalk downland. After staring at a laptop screen all day, it’s a joy to look a long, long way away into the distance. You can see across the valley to Kenley Common and the airfield. It’s like a scene from a picture book and the skies are huge and amazing.’

Artist Matt Bannister recommends Purley Way West / Roundshaw Downs, ‘a space with great views across Croydon and beyond, that still manages to feel a bit wild. I’ve seen skylarks, kites and even a deer there.’

Shaniqua Benjamin has fond childhood memories of Trumble Gardens. ‘This was my favourite park as a child, with many good memories spent in the playground, and later being part of the Thornton Heath Lights Festival.’

For Alastair McKinlay, Sanderstead Plantation is a place where history is never far away. ‘The view is better in the winter when the leaves have fallen from the trees but, again, the sense of what has gone before is very strong in this space.’

Felicity Taylor loves the community feel of Sanderstead Recreation Ground. ‘Whether it’s playing football, walking a dog, attending art and craft workshops or playing in the playground, you’ll always see someone you know.’

Samantha Foley recommends Grangewood Park for its ‘rookery, community garden, tall trees, gorgeous sunsets up on the hill’. It’s also the only London park where she’s ever spotted a hedgehog.

(We’re still procrastinating over our own favourite three – it very much depends on the season. Wherever you decide to explore next, the CNHSS Green Spaces Directory is packed with inspiration, showcasing more than 100 parks, woodlands, commons and nature reserves across the borough).

Thank you to Carole Roberts of CNHSS, and to our local contributors: Jill Finch (A Collective, The Story Sanctuary and Autistic Youth Hub), Claudia Golder-Coelho (Queer Croydon), Matt Bannister (artist), Anna Arthur (Croydonites Festival of New Theatre), Shaniqua Benjamin (poet), Alastair McKinlay (Croydon Saffron Central), Tina Crawford (artist), Felicity Taylor (Hive Design Studio), Maddy Duxbury (East Croydon Cool) and Samantha Foley (Scene in London).

Find out more about CNHSS on their website here, read our feature here, and follow the Society on Instagram here.

Images courtesy of CNHSS and the Croydonist. Header image from the CNHSS Green Spaces Directory.

Posted by Julia.

Outdoors / People

The greener side of Croydon