The former site of the Beulah Spa, this site includes wood that has developed from parkland. People visited the spa seeking medicinal relief by ..taking the waters; the highly mineralised water which emerged (and still does to an extent) here. This attraction drew various other forms of entertainment to the site, which enjoyed its heyday during the early 19th century. The spa garden was originally designed by the prolific Victorian architect Decimus Burton (1800-81). Many ‘rustic edifices’ were constructed. There was a circus ring, a rosery and an upper and lower lake with water fowl, a maze or wilderness and an ‘orchestra’; also a camera obscura with a telescope powerful enough to see Windsor Castle. The site boasts excellent views over the surrounding cityscape.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
The Lawns
Borough: Croydon
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 4.39 ha
Description
Wildlife
Trees include pedunculate and sessile oaks, and beech, with an understorey of holly, hazel, sycamore and hawthorn. There are also some impressive old oak pollards in the north-east corner. Woodland wildflowers include honeysuckle, enchanter's-nightshade and a few bluebells. The site is heavily used, but still has a good breeding bird population including nuthatches.Facilities
Playground
Honeysuckle © Denis Vickers
Ancient oak pollard © Mike Waite
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