The area usually referred to as ‘Riddlesdown’
is actually at least three different sites that merge into each other.
Riddlesdown Common itself is owned and managed by the Corporation
of London. Another area, of green belt land, is owned by Croydon while
Tandridge own the land towards Warlingham where it becomes ‘The
Dobbin’.
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Location - TQ3360
Between Godstone Road and Limpsfield Road. The access from Godstone Road
is up steep paths, but there are other entrances at Eskdale Gardens, Honister
Heights and Tithepitshaw Lane, as well as at various places along Limpsfield
Road and Wentworth Way. The main entrance is at the end of Riddlesdown
Road (TQ325605), where there is a car park.
Public transport
-
Train: Nearest station is Riddlesdown
Bus: 412 along Mitchley Avenue, 407 along Godstone Road and 403 along
Limpsfield Road
Addington/Shirley Hills Coulsdon Common
Croham Hurst
Farthing Downs/
Happy Valley
Kenley Common
Kings Wood
Lloyd Park
Riddlesdown
Selsdon Wood
South Norwood
Country Park
South Norwood Lake
Waddon Ponds
Site Records
Habitat
Downland, parts of which are fenced in and grazed. Woods and old chalk
quarries (no public access to the latter).
Species
Most significantly, several pairs each of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer
breed here, which makes this one of the few sites in Croydon where all
of these species can be found together. Kestrels and Sparrowhawks are
regular and are now being supplemented from time to time with visiting
Peregrines. There have been sightings of Little Owl near Warlingham Court
Farm. In winter there may be flocks of a whole range of species including
Fieldfare, Redwing and various finches. In recent winters, both Corn Bunting
and Reed Bunting have been found. Stonechats may also be found during
the winter and Wheatears and Whinchats occasionally turn up on migration.
This is probably the most reliable site in Croydon to find Jackdaws at
any time of year.
