Full details of the visit are at http://www.foresthillsociety.com/2009/03...-wood.html

What makes this special is that it is a chance to view some history of the area (the Croydon Canal ran through this reserve) as well as some of the nature of the area.

Apologies for the fact that this clashes with the Devonshire Road nature reserve AGM. It was clearly not intentional.

Just to remind people that this event will be taking place this Sunday afternoon at two o'clock. Nor is it just for the grown-ups: there'll be things for the young ones to do too including bark and leaf rubbing and a scavenger hunt. So bring the family.

Over 80 people enjoyed a walk in the woods with the Forest Hill Society. Pictures at http://www.foresthillsociety.com/2009/03...serve.html

Many thanks to Steve and Alona for telling us all so much about the nature reserve.

If you missed it, we plan to organise an event in October, celebrating 200 years since the opening of the canal through Forest Hill!

An interesting open day - thanks - and luckily for me there was also a 2.00 GMT showing!

It is presentable over there now, so hopefully there will be regular open days for the general public.

I'm curious about 2 things though:
Where is the canal bed? Is it the bottom of the shallow end of the water today or is it the bottom of the deep end of the pond - maybe 5' down?

My other question is: they said they found the original canal wall in an excavation, but they then clay lined the walls to make them ~ pond friendly - but surely the canal walls were just clay to start with?
My understanding is there was only brickwork around the locks and bridges.

Anyway lovely that we at long last were allowed to visit a much loved area that we all have been excluded from for so long.