While Croydon Council appears to be on a mission to concrete over every last remaining pocket of green space in the borough, there are some groups which continue to study, cherish and preserve the scraps of south London’s environmental heritage.

The London Wildlife Trust is again staging a series events across south-east London to celebrate the Great North Wood, and to delve back into its history of woodlands, dinosaurs and mammoths.

The events are mostly free, though they do seek donations towards the cost of running the project.

The events include:

Wed May 31: Wonderful woodland fun day, Grangewood Park

Wed May 31: Woodland fun day in Crystal Palace Park

Thu Jun 1: Biggin Wood guided walk, Norbury: Explore the fascinating world of trees as part of London Tree Week. Discover the history of Biggin Wood in Norbury as a part of the once vast Great North Wood and learn how to identify trees by looking at their flower, leaves, bark and other characteristics.

Fri Jun 2: Plant walk at Streatham Common: Botanist Tony Wileman will lead a walk  identifying the wildflowers and other plants that he comes across. Meet by the Rookery Cafe at 7pm. The walk will last for about two hours. It is free but donations to the London Wildlife Trust will be welcome on the day.

Sun Jul 9: Geology walk in Crystal Palace Park: There’s more to the ancient geology of the area than just the Victorian dinosaurs in the park. A guided walk discovering some of the “hidden history” of the Great North Wood, looking at the rocks, soils and waters that have shaped it’s past and continue to dictate its future. A journey back in time with Dr Iain Boulton to the age of the dinosaurs, wooly mammoths and stupendous earth movements!

Wed Jul 12: Tree walk in Crystal Palace Park: Discover the history of Crystal Palace Park as a part of the once vast Great North Wood and learn how to identify trees by looking at their leaves, fruit, bark and other characteristics. This walk is open to everyone. Suggested donation £2. No need to book,

For more information on the London Wildlife Trust and its other events around the capital, click here.

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