The River Wandle really did look like this, once…
The Wandle Fortnight continues into its second week with more activities and exhibits in, on and around what was, during the Industrial Revolution, called London’s hardest working river.
You can find out much more about the history of the River Wandle at an exhibition being held at the Honeywood Museum at Carshalton.
The River Wandle originally rose in South Croydon, near where the Swan and Sugarloaf stands today, and its course can still be followed, through Wandle Park, Waddon Ponds and on past Mitcham Common and Beddington towards Wandsworth and the Thames.
The fortnight’s activities are co-ordinated by the Wandle Valley Forum, which has a complete listing of activities through this weekend and into next week available by clicking here.
The exhibition at the Honeywood Museum is on until September 23, open Wed-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat and Sun 10am-5pm. Free admission. No booking required.
The River Wandle is celebrated by a series of events and walks this weekend
Among other events taking place, tomorrow (Sep 15) there’s a guided tour of the wet willow woodland and reed swamp at the Spencer Road reserve, which is run by the London Wildlife Trust. Closest tram stop is Mitcham Junction. Guided tours available, but no need to book. Wheelchair accessible. Click here for more details.
And on Sunday, there’s a 30th anniversary celebration ramble along the Wandle Trail.
There are various group walks available, starting from Charing Cross Station, Mitcham Junction, or from the tram stop at Wandle Park.
The organisers say, “In 1988, the first Ramblers’ walk took place along the newly created Wandle Trail from Wandsworth to Croydon. The walk was led by Colin Saunders of the Long Distance Walkers Association and attracted over 200 people.
“As part of Wandle Fortnight we are hoping to exceed this number and are offering a selection of walks up and down the Wandle so please come along.”
There are two walks from Wandle Park. One, to cover about seven miles, starts at 10.30am, with its destination being Morden Hall Park, which has a park café and an easy journey back to Croydon via the tram. For more information, click here.
The second, a five-mile walk, starts from the tram stop at 1.30pm, heading for Mitcham Junction via Beddington. Details here.
And for those who don’t fancy going quite so far afield, there is also the special talk at Wandle Park on Sunday on the 200-year history of railways, including the Croydon Tramlink. More details here.
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