Due to a fire in Walworth Town Hall on Monday 25 March, the Walworth One Stop Shop, Cuming Museum and Newington Library are closed. Alternative locations are now available for many affected services.
Sydenham Hill Wood
Sydenham Hill, SE26
This historic woodland area is fun to explore and full of interesting sights. It's managed by London Wildlife Trust.
Facilities
- Duck and wildlife ponds: There are a few small ponds dotted around the woods that are a haven for wildlife, attracting ducks, geese, frogs, toads and other wildlife.
- Old railway path: A footpath now winds through the wood following the track of the old railway line. A footbridge passes over the remains of the track, and it was from this bridge that the impressionist painter Camille Pissarro painted a view of Lordship Lane Station.
- 'Ancient' ruin: A ruined monastery lies in the midst of the woods surrounded by brambles and ivy, a folly that once graced someone's garden.
- Wood sculptures: Look carefully between the tree trunks and the branches of the trees and you may see some naturalistic wood sculptures by local artists...
- 18th century path to the pub: At the edge of the wood bordering the golf course, is a path called Cox's Walk that once led to the Green Man public house (now the Harvester). This path was apparently created by the publican of the Green Man in the early 18th Century when the golf course was farmland. Presumably the path was created to encourage locals to take an ale at the pub!
Location and transport
Entrances: Sydenham Hill and Crescent Wood Road, SE26.
Rail: Forest Hill and Sydenham Hill.
Bus: 63.
Car/bike: There are no designated parking areas.
Park Rangers
The wood is visited monthly by the Mobile Park Rangers. The London Wildlife Trust is responsible for the upkeep of the wood. Find out more about the London Wildlife Trust's involvement.
Friends group
Local residents take an active role in projects run by the London Wildlife Trust. Information is available on the notice boards at the site entrances.
