Rumor has it that South Norwood Lake holds secrets from a time long ago. This is no ordinary lake. South Norwood Lake and Grounds is a public park located in South Norwood. It is part of the London Borough of Croydon.
Let’s take a closer look. The main entrance to South Norwood Lake is on Woodvale Avenue. Other entrances exist on Auckland Road and Sylvan Road. The park spans approximately 28 and a half acres.
South Norwood Lake was once a reservoir. It supplied the Croydon Canal. From 1809 to 1836 the canal stretched between Croydon and the Grand Surrey Canal at New Cross.
Today the lake is a popular spot for several activities. Local anglers come to fish. They seek carp, bream and perch. The Croydon Sailing Club also uses the lake. A variety of aquatic birds call this place home. Keep an eye out for great crested grebes. Herons and ring-necked parakeets nest on the island.
In 1881 Alfred Steer founded the Norwood Sports Club. The club leased 16 acres including the lake. By 1888 they leased an additional 37 acres. At that time the club was the world’s largest tennis club. It featured 54 courts. The grounds included facilities for bowls, cricket and golf.
During World War I the golf course was requisitioned. It was damaged and fell into disuse. British Dominion Insurance used the grounds as a staff sports ground beginning in 1920. In 1931 Croydon Council purchased the original 16 acres. The council bought the additional 37 acres later. The sports club leased most of the land until 1947. The grounds were fully opened to the public in 1969. The club still retains some user rights.
The lake had some problems in 2004. Blue green algae caused the death of many fish. Now carp and perch are the predominant species. The lake provides natural food sources for the fish. A blood worm bar is one example.
The area around South Norwood Lake has changed over time. It was once owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Part of it was Norwood Common. The canal closed in the 1830s. The lake lay derelict for many years.
South Norwood Lake may seem like a simple concrete-sided reservoir. Yet it offers surprising variety. There is a small wooded island. Woods, scrub and playing fields surround the lake.
Great crested grebes thrive here. The wooded areas are home to green and great spotted woodpeckers. You may also spot chiffchaff and blackcap. Waders like Common Sandpiper and Dunlin visit occasionally. In 1997 London’s first pied-billed grebe stayed here for several weeks. More recently red-breasted merganser, honey buzzard and firecrest have been sighted.
South Norwood Lake offers a peaceful retreat. It is a place where nature and recreation meet. So take a stroll around South Norwood Lake. Enjoy the beauty and history it offers.