Parks and playgrounds directory

Location

Coulsdon, the belt runs parallel to Chaldon Way from Marlpit Lane to Drive Road.

Area

7 1/4 acres 2.83 hectares.

Facilities

• Ancient hedgerow boundary
• Car park located at CR5 1DA

History

The tree belt is an ancient hedgerow with over twenty species of trees and shrubs along its length including, Ash, Hazel, Oak, Yew, Wayfaring Tree, Beech, Field Maple, Holly and Hawthorn.   The tree belt formed a boundary between the lower fields and Farthing Downs (which belongs to the City of London).

The downs have a long and interesting history, they were farmed by the Celts because the tree cover was lighter compared with the heavily wooded lower valley. They divided the area into small oblong fields which were ploughed and cultivated, the banks, called lynchets, can be seen today, and are a result of the cultivation process.