Addington Hills, Nature reserve in Shirley, England
Addington Hills is a nature reserve in Shirley featuring rolling terrain with open heathland and surrounding woodlands. The site combines grassland, heathland, and tree-covered areas that together create a varied natural space.
The land was once called Pripledeane, a name referring to the gravel valley that shaped the area. During the 1800s, Croydon authorities gradually bought the property to protect it for public use.
The hills served as a cricket hub in the 1700s, and this sporting history remains part of local memory. Open areas throughout the site still reflect how people once gathered here for athletic contests.
The site can be entered from several points distributed around the perimeter. Visitors should be prepared for varied ground conditions and wear good shoes, as paths traverse hills and heathland.
The northern woodland holds ancient oak trees shaped in an unusual way that reflects how people once managed the land. These old trees are rare examples of historical forestry practices found in few other places nearby.
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