Trip reports
Sydenham Hill Woods: Local Walk
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Dulwich Wood and Sydenham Hill Woods both lie just inside the London Borough of Southwark. Once inside the woods you can sense the peaceful atmosphere with shafts of sunlight peering through the treetop canopy. It is hard to believe that many Central London landmarks are only five miles away. The two woods adjoin each other however, the Dulwich College Estate owns Dulwich Woods whereas the London Wildlife Trust manages Sydenham Hill Woods on behalf of the London Borough of Southwark.
Combined, the two woods form the largest remaining fragment of the Great North Wood, which once covered the ridge of London Clay which spans much of South London from Nunhead through Forest Hill, Sydenham and Crystal Palace as far as Selhurst. Smaller fragments also remain at One Tree Hill near Honor Oak, Biggin Wood near Norbury and Long Lane Woods near Elmers End. Oak and hornbeam were the dominant tree species.
By the Middle Ages much of the woodland had fallen under the ownership of several large manors. Substantial lower-lying wooded areas were gradually sacrificed for the establishment of farmsteads. The higher ground mainly survived as commercial woodland with the oak providing timber for the naval shipyards along the river Thames and also for building construction. Oak bark was a by-product used to produce tannin for leather production. Coppicing of hornbeam and hazel provided material for charcoal production, firewood and fencing.
Much of the remaining woodland was hurriedly surrendered to the urban spread of London during Queen Victoria's reign. Ironically it was the move to coal as the primary energy source, the growth of the railways and not least the development of the Crystal Palace exhibition centre which accelerated the demise of most of the remaining woodland. Place names such as Forest Hill, Woodside and Norwood are present day reminders of the past.
The walk started by descending the steep gradient of Low Cross Lane to enter Dulwich Woods. Apart from one or two late commuters, it was otherwise deserted. To start with there was little activity due to the breeze but as we neared the entrance to the wood a male great spotted woodpecker was seen. Shortly blackbirds, robins, blue & great tits together with the obligatory magpie and carrion crow were seen.
Within yards of entry into Dulwich Wood blackcap were to be heard calling and remained throughout the walk. Despite this only occasional glimpses were seen of them.
A nuthatch was the next star turn but due to the dense foliage in this area the view was brief. Other sightings in Dulwich Wood were a jay, chaffinches and an outstanding view of a pair of stock doves at a nest site.
Moving towards Sydenham Hill Woods a mistle thrush was seen briefly but betrayed its identity by its 'tsaark, saark, saark', distress call.
In an area of mature tree growth and with no ground foliage we located an active great spotted woodpecker's nest site and everyone enjoyed good views.
Better was to follow when the nest site of a treecreeper was located in a pollarded oak beside the main excavated pond. We watched its comings and goings for several minutes from a safe distance.
Near the site of the former railway line to Crystal Palace High Level a site was cleared to encourage a younger generation of growth. This area is reliable for chiffchaff and other warblers in springtime. The chiffies duly obliged along with goldcrest and more blackcap.
Several more sightings were made as we climbed towards the Crescent Wood Road entrance and completed the walk.
All told 19 species were observed and most surprisingly did not included the ring necked parakeet, in fact they weren't even heard on this occasion. The highlights of the morning were the nestsite observations of the treecreeper, great spotted wood pecker and stock doves. This does not include the curious call which turned out to be a peacock in an adjacent garden-this has not made it onto the the British list yet.
Dulwich Woods and Sydenham Hill Woods are a real oasis of tranquillity and beauty inside the hustle and bustle of South London. I would recommend a visit to anyone who has not been there before. The nearby Dulwich Wood House is a Young's house and an agreeable venue for afterwalk refreshment.