4th: Sydenham Hill Woods

This visit was also majorly affected by the great British Weather. In fact, even more so than Hutchinson’s Bank. By the time we arrived at Sydenham Hill Woods it was pouring down with rain. I really didn’t want to be too much of a fair-weather artist, so was determined to at least have a look at the glorious mix of new and ancient woodland, along with a characterful Victorian folly. There’s no point in pretending about my artistic determination here though. I did don my waterproofs and got out there, but it really was a whistle stop race around the paths. Just enough to get a bit of a feel for the place, but no more.

The overall impression was of an extremely well cared for woodland that was not only focused on the needs of the local wildlife, which it certainly was, but also of the local community. Further proof that The Wildlife Trusts understand this is the only way for conservation to be truly successful.