Croydon Ducks - Wandle Park

Croydon Ducks - Wandle Park - 2014

Latest update: 17th October 2014

External Links: Council Information Wandle Park (old site) Google Map River Wandle Trust

Wandle Park is a 13 acre park in Old Town Croydon, near Factory Lane, with it's own tram stop. It's over 100 years, and
originally was undrained land with the River Wandle running through and a lake. Due to lack of water in the sixties, the lake was
filled in and an underground culvert built for the river, which disappeared from view. The park was rebuilt with £3.5m investment in
2012, the River Wandle again exposed, a small shallow lake built, with major landscaping, new paths and planting. Wandle Park
is very close to Waddon Ponds, and the river passes that park, then through Beddington Park, Morden Hall Park and on the the
River Thames.

There a large car park off Cornwall Road (CR0 3RD for satnavs), take the Factory Lane exit from the north end of the Roman Way
dual carriage way. Wandle Park tram stop is adjacent to the park.

20th April 2014, we first visited Wandle Park two years ago before the redevelopment, and it was dismal, just a circular path around a
large grass field. This is one of the new paths across the field, with landscaping and a new play ground to the right.

The River Wandle entering the park to a new dug river bed. The river rises from springs in South Croydon, but is now all buried in culverts
under the town, until it appear here.

The River Wandle passing westwards through the park, one one season of growth since this corridor was excavated.

Looking back eastwards to the entry to the park, central Croydon in the distance, the new bandstand top right.

Not much wild life yet, but three Mallard ducks swimming on the river.

River Wandle re-enters a buried culvert at the west side of the park, where is heads under the Purley Way to Waddon Ponds park.

Looking back from the river exit, paths either side, band stand in the distance.

The Mallards again. Not much opportunity for nesting here yet, needs more vegetation near the river.

A shallow formal pond, water level seems low despite all the winter rain, hopefully it will be filled up for the summer.

The restored band stand, seating and planting.

The restored rose garden and seating, next to a new cafe due to open this summer.

17th August 2014, the park is now more mature after a few summer months, although August is miserable and it's raining today.
The cafe has now opened, the only one in a Croydon park, had a good breakfast.

Plants are growing well by the water, although a lack of rain has not helped the grass.

The entry of the underground River Wandle into the park. But no ducks in the park today.

The shallow pond near the bandstand, with planting that needs some attention. The pond needs topping up by pump from the river
several feet lower in the distance. Did not see any wildlife, the vast covering of duck weed does not help.

The River Wandle leaving the park.

Water flow is very low, a dry few months.