Addington Hills

Addington Hills is one of the closest things to a countryside idyll in Croydon. Now this title is not just because of its free car park (always a bonus), or pet and child friendly atmosphere but because of the 130 acres of woodland and heath.

A typical area of heath at the woodland edge at Addington Hills

With relatively well maintained and tidy paths (the area is part of the London Loop) the area is accessible, although steep at times. While having a wander you can see lots of oak, birch and pine trees, as well as gorse and heather on the slopes. Most wildlife is probably scared off by people’s dogs, but if you’re lucky there are reptiles such as slow worms and common lizards to be seen, as well as green woodpeckers, some lovely goldcrests and noisy jays. I’ve heard some people claim there are a number of deer here, but I must say I’m doubtful considering the amount of little oak saplings which any deer would have easy access to and nibble away to nothing.
 

A jay seen from afar. Jays are the oak tree's best mates (how very Jamie Oliver), as in autumn they bury thousands of acorns to keep them going through the winter. However, they're not elephants and so forget where some of these are, meaning that they unwittingly spread oak trees.

Weather permitting, the look out point is probably the main attraction for the majority of visitors. A lovely vista of Croydon and London stretches out before you with landmarks such as the Gherkin, the Shard and Canary Wharf dominating the horizon. A tourist’s dream.

A lovely view of Canary Wharf and the surrounding buildings in all their splendour, seen from the view point at Addington Hills.

Although unfortunately the metal information placards seem to have been mislaid…

...Enough said!

Most people tend to stick to the more travelled paths on the crests of the hills, but if you wander down into the thicker woodland there are some interesting sights... such as an old burnt out car that has been overtaken by woodland vegetation. There is also a large beech tree that looks like it has jumped straight out of Medieval Sherwood Forest, as well as nice Scots Pines and old oaks. It really is quite a nice little spot, especially if you want to forget for a little while that you're in Greater London. 

I don't know how long this car has been there but it is practically a natural feature now.

All in all Addington Hills is a nice little oasis within the confines of sprawling south London. It's heathland makes it a unique place within the boundaries of the metropolis and there is plenty of natural space to explore. Bird life is abundant if you look closely (hearing them is not a problem) and with the summer (apparently) upon us it makes a nice place to have a wander around. If you're feeling really adventurous you could even search around and see where those missing metal plaques have been mislaid. I'm sure they're probably there somewhere...

Life's a beech.