In South Croydon, in the London Borough of Croydon, there is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Site of Metropolitan Significance for Nature Protection called Croham Hurst. While it is a Regionally Important Geological Site, it received the SSSI classification because of its significance for the preservation of nature.
The location is on a high hill that is covered with ancient woods, although there aren't many extremely old trees there because the wood was exploited for fuel before the railroads made cheap coal accessible. A complex plant ecosystem with oak and hazel as its dominant species may be found on the lower slopes, where fertile soils overlie the chalk. The majority of the trees are beech on Thanet Sands further up, and oak and birch on the acidic Blackheath pebble beds higher up.
Thanet Sands have eroded, but since Blackheath layers are joined by a natural cement that has withstood erosion, the hill's natural cap has been formed. Over 50 million years ago, during the Eocene period, the summit of the mountain range was largely devoid of vegetation and covered with rounded stones. The wavy hairgrass, heather, and bilberry make up the majority of the scant vegetation near the summit.
After three years of opposition from neighbourhood residents to the Hurst's expansion, the Whitgift Foundation sold Croham Hurst to Croydon Corporation in 1901. The history of this location, however, dates back thousands of years.
Early humans could settle in a secure and practical location thanks to the Hurst's high bare top. There is some proof of a late Mesolithic settlement that was active between 5000 and 3000 B.C. On the Hurst, flint implements from the Neolithic or New Stone Age man were also discovered. The Bronze Age began around 2100 B.C. The devout Bronze Age people buried their deceased in circular tombs, one of which was discovered atop Croham Hurst.
Do check out this local business that helps the community.
Funnell's Removals & Storage Limited
Hylands Nurseries, Carshalton Road,
Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3HZ
Here's another attraction that's worth a visit.