On Saturday, I travelled to Croydon Sports Arena to watch some non league football, and after studying the map thought that a route from Elmers End station through South Norwood Country Park would provide a delightfully scenic option.
However, I had forgotten about the torrential rain that has been hammering down over London in recent days, and found the footpath submerged under vast, swampy puddles.
Undeterred, I decided to carefully navigate my way along the path, at times clinging on to the adjacent wire fencing to avoid a calamitous slip.
With some deft footwork, I managed to make it on to dry land whilst keeping my socks dry.
Croydon’s website has this to say about the park’s history:
The site was a sewage farm from the middle of the 19th century until 1966 when it fell into disuse. It was declared Metropolitan Open Land in 1982.
The country park itself was opened in 1989 after the creation of the pond and wet meadow. With a range of different habitats, the country park is a haven for wildlife and an important site for nature conservation. It is a local nature reserve.
The park has an excellent bird record with over 100 different species being sighted each year. The large wetlands attract a wide variety of birds.
Once clear of the boggy section, I enjoyed a lovely walk, heading south west towards Croydon FC’s stadium where I was in for an eleven goal bonanza.
Passing the bulrush.
Across the meadow.
Crystal Palace transmitter in the distance.
Crossing the tram lines.
Location
[All photos taken on a Pixel 9 Pro XL phone]