History of the Woods Walk

Chris Schüler, the author of , will conduct a guided walk through Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Woods exploring the history of the Great North Wood. He will describe the ancient practice of coppicing, which was used to manage the woods for centuries, pointing out the historic coppice divisions along the way, and explain how the Industrial Revolution reduced demand for wood-based materials, causing much of the woodland to be converted to other uses. We will view the remnants of the railway that was cut through the woods in the 1860s and the Victorian villas that were built along its upper slopes, which have since reverted to nature. The talk will conclude with an account of the campaign to save what remained of the woods in the 1970s and 80s, which led to the creation of the present Sydenham Hill Wood Nature Reserve.

📍 Meeting Point: Sydenham Hill Train Station Car Park

What3Words location: https://w3w.co/ridge.rubble.visit

⏰ Time: Walk leaves promptly at 13:30

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who can come: Anyone - Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times

What to expect:

🌳 1 hour 30 min guided walk, returning to the meeting point

🌺 Discover the history of the Great North Wood, exploring the largest remaining fragment, Sydenham Hill and Dulwich woods.

The delivery of the 'Reuniting Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood' project is made possible by our funders and partners: The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Dulwich Estate, Southwark Council, The Kusuma Trust, Black Girls Hike, and Wanderers of Colour. This funding and these partnerships help to secure the future of the woods by bringing together the management of Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood under London Wildlife Trust.

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