This nature reserve is one of South London’s hidden gems
As the leaves begin to turn and the air starts to take on that familiar autumnal chill, you might be tempted to wrap up and stay indoors – but London still has plenty to offer for those who want to head outside to explore. One particular nature reserve well worth a visit might sound more like a location from a children’s story, but is actually just a short journey from Croydon in South London.
The nature reserve in question is Happy Valley in Old Coulsdon, and it’s a brilliant location for a weekend stroll. Stretching across more than 252 acres of ancient woodland and open meadows, this remarkable nature reserve offers visitors the rare chance to spot roe deer roaming freely, all within easy reach of the capital.
The park, which sits alongside neighbouring Farthing Downs in Croydon, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. As well as roe deer, visitors can hope to catch a glimpse of badgers, foxes, stoats, weasels and even the nationally rare and elusive dormouse.
The ancient woodland is equally impressive, containing a wide variety of trees including oak, beech, ash, cherry, sweet chestnut, field maple and hazel, making it a spectacular destination during the autumn months when the foliage is at its most vivid.
Happy Valley forms part of the Farthing Downs and Happy Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature (SMNI), and it also holds a Green Flag Award.
For families, the park is particularly well suited for a day of nature trails and easy woodland walks. There is even an audio trail available in four languages, English, French, Hindi and Polish, allowing visitors to explore the reserve at their own pace while learning about its remarkable ecosystem.
Nearby pub The Fox is the perfect place to stop for a drink or bite to eat after your walk. Easily reachable from the valley, this country pub has a log fire and serves Sunday roasts that visitors describe as ‘perfect’.
The park could be set to receive even greater protection, as Natural England included Happy Valley and Farthing Downs in an order earlier this year which would see them designated as part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). If the proposals are accepted, the parks would receive enhanced legal protection and access to official AONB resources.
Getting there
To reach Happy Valley from Croydon, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive. To get there on public transport from Central London, your best bet is to board a Thameslink train from London Bridge to Purley, followed by the 466 bus to Coulsdon Common/The Fox.
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