Selsdon is a suburb of the London Borough of Croydon with a population of around 12,500 people. Developed during the 1920’s and 30's many of the houses make an impressive sight with their Art Deco architecture. Selsdon
In the early 1900's the grounds of Selsdon Park Estate was used for hunting and shooting, being laid out with clearings and rides which in fact can still be seen today. Prior to this in 1890 Selsdon Park and surrounding farmland totalled 679 acres, which was bought by W.Stevens. On his death it was sold to a brewer W.Noakes. Every November on his birthday there was a grand shoot to celebrate the occasion. A gamekeeper was employed on the estate and a pheasantry where young birds would have been raised for stocking the woodland. When Noakes died in 1923 the hunting and shooting parties ceased and the estate was eventually divided up into smallholdings.
Because of the rapid development of Selsdon, a committee was formed to ensure that 200 acres of the estate would be set aside for a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Opened to the public in 1936 it was given over to the National Trust with Coulsdon and Purley District Council and the Corporation of Croydon agreeing to manage it jointly.
The Selsdon Park Reserve comprises of five large meadows. With its ancient hedges and capacious woodland it still retains much of its historical character. As you step inside the reserve, the view, which stretches over farmland towards New Addington is indeed a dramatic one. Malcolm Sharpe was one of the main campaigners for the preservation of the woods, not only in Selsdon, but other places such as Croham Hurst, Purley Beaches and Littleheath Woods, and a shelter in his memory has been built on the edge of one of the meadows. Many trees have been planted such as Beech, Oak, Larch, Chestnut and Norway Spruce, and in the Spring, a carpet of bluebells carpet the ground.
Starting from Selsdon Wood car park people gather on a weekly basis to take a leisurely two-to-three mile circular walk through the Nature Reserve. It is part of the Guided Walks for Health programme. During the week the car park is open from 8 am and on weekends and Bank holidays from 9am. Closing time is half an hour before sunset.
The Selsdon Park Hotel was once the mansion house on the Selsdon Park Estate. This amazing retreat house and golf resort has survived many renovations during its 1000 year history, but it will not fail to impress with its Elizabethan splendour. Situated in magnificent parkland this Neo-Jacobean building dates back as far as 861AD.
The general area of Selsdon is well kept with a high standard of living. Its greatest asset is its location. Residents of Selsdon speak of having the best of both worlds. Not only can they enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life in nearby Croydon and London, but also the peace and tranquillity of the neighbouring countryside. It has no train station, however, public transport to East Croydon is extremely good.
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