The Unexpected Beauty of Croydon

We are very much in the bleak midwinter at the moment. It's near impossible to make plans for the future. But what a lot of people around the world noticed during the first lockdown is that nature didn't stop. All the other species continued life as normal - some even took advantage of the reduced human activity. Spring - or baby animal season - is my favourite time of year.  I know we're not there yet, but here's some things to look out for around Croydon as spring arrives: Blossom and spring flowers Some trees actually produce blossom in the winter. There's a winter flowering cherry tree on Barclay Road outside Croydon Crown Courts which was flowering in December 2019 and January 2020. 2nd January 2020, Croydon Crown Court Snowdrops tend to start flowering during winter, but they're a sign that spring is on its way. Coombe Wood, February 2020 Crocuses are another early spring flower which are abundant in Croydon parks, gardens and other green spaces. In 2020, ...

I'm not even going to try to claim that Purley Way is beautiful*. It's a former industrial area that has gradually evolved into out of town shopping. It's a horrible place to drive, walk, cycle, or take the bus to. The only decent way to get there is by tram, in my opinion, because the tram route bypasses the awful roads and junctions.  Tram at Reeves Corner, 2020 Did you know that the River Wandle passes under Purley Way and is visible close to both sides of this traffic-clogged artery? It's worth braving a small stretch of road to follow the river to Waddon Ponds. Mural celebrating Croydon's saffron growing heritage under the Roman Way From Croydon town centre or the Old Town, it's a short walk to Wandle Park. Go to Reeves Corner, at the bottom of Church Street, and cross over the tram tracks. You'll see the Roman Way elevated dual carriageway called Jubilee Bridge (I've always thought this a terrible tribute to the Queen's longevity) - head for th...