
Littleheath Woods is the collective name for Littleheath Wood, Foxearth Woods, part of Queenhill Shaw and part of Gee Wood in Selsdon in the London Borough of Croydon. It is a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade I, with an area of 64 acres (26 ha).[1] It is owned by Croydon Council and the Friends of Littleheath Woods assist with the management.[2]
The woods have tall oaks above a layer of sweet chestnut, rowan and birch, and there are several areas of grassland. Plants include wood anemone, bluebell and greater stitchwort and at the southern end there is a small pond with amphibious bistort and brooklime. In the north there is acid grassland.[2]
There is access from neighbouring roads including Croham Valley Road, Littleheath Road, Edgecoombe and Foxearth Road.[3]
The wood was once used for shooting and a pheasantry was established on part of the land. Much of the low-level planting was established to provide cover for the game-birds.[4]
The soil (soft sand) is of a type suitable for badgers and there are active setts within the woodland.[4]
References
- ↑ "Littleheath Woods and Edgecoombe Playground". London Parks & Gardens Trust. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
- 1 2 "Littleheath Woods". Greenspace Information for Greater London. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
- ↑ "The Woods". The Friends of Littleheath Woods. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
- 1 2 Winterman, M.A. (1988). Croydon's Parks: An illustrated history. London Borough of Croydon, Parks and Recreation Department. p. 53. ISBN 0951348108.
External links
- Littleheath Woods and Edgecoombe at London Borough of Croydon website
- "iGiGL – helping you find London's parks and wildlife sites". Greenspace Information for Greater London. Archived from the original on 15 October 2012.
- Friends of Littleheath Woods