Imagine this ancient woodland teeming with stories from centuries past. This is Biggin Wood a fragment of the once vast Great North Wood.
Biggin Wood offers a tranquil escape. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. Let’s explore its hidden depths.
The earliest record of Biggin Wood dates back to 1493. It appears in a deed from Archbishop John Morton. The deed mentions “Biggins Farm, Biggenswood” and an estate of 120 acres.
Centuries ago the wood covered a larger area. A survey in 1678 recorded it as 78 acres. Locals coppiced the oak trees managing them for sustainable use. Coppicing involves cutting trees back to their stumps. This encourages new growth.
By the 1800s Biggin Wood was surrounded by farmland. Bigginwood House stood to the north on Beulah Hill. James Epps famous for his homeopathic cocoa owned the estate.
The house fell into dereliction and burned down in 1934. The wood became inaccessible for a time. Epps’ descendant Sylvia Linton sold the estate to the council. She stipulated that the wood remain a bird sanctuary and open space.
Biggin Wood provides a haven for wildlife. It is home to a variety of birds. In the late 1970s and early 1980s a study identified 40 species. They were either feeding or breeding within the woodland.
During World War II an air raid shelter was built in the wood. A bomb crater remains as a reminder of that time.
After the war there were plans to build a road through the wood. Fortunately these plans were abandoned preserving much of its character.
In 1997 local people formed Action for Biggin Wood. They worked to restore paths and manage the woodland. Today the London Wildlife Trust collaborates with Croydon Council. Together they are working to improve the site for wildlife. This is part of the Great North Wood Project.
Take a moment to appreciate the English oaks. Notice the bluebells in spring. Imagine the sounds of woodpeckers echoing through the trees.
Biggin Wood invites you to connect with nature. It is a place to reflect on the past. It is a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. This ancient woodland continues to thrive. It is a testament to the importance of preserving our natural heritage.