Description

South Norwood Park has come a long way since it’s early beginnings as a quarry and then rubbish tip.

Many years of abandonment left a space for vegetation to flourish, bringing back a variety of unique plants and wildlife to the area due to its unique wetland habitat.

As you course around the five kilometre route, enjoy the variety of birdlife that call this park home including pheasant, kestrel skylark, mallard, gulls and warblers.

Twenty species of butterfly also call this park home.

The parkrun route incorporates just over two clockwise loops of the park on trail and grass.

Before you reach the tram line, there is a short incline followed by a steady descent before becoming a very flat trail once again.

There’s no getting lost in this parkrun as its easy to navigate and although you’re in Croydon, it can feel much more remote than it actually is.

South Norwood parkrun is a free timed event held weekly on Saturdays at 9am.

There are toilets situated at the start and parking at the adjacent Croydon Sports Arena.

Whether you’re looking for a race against the clock or just a leisurely social jog, this smaller parkrun has a welcoming atmosphere to make it whatever you want.

If you don’t like mud on your shoes, choose a dry day to run this one.

For more details on how to get there or to register to parkrun and download your timing barcode, go to https://www.parkrun.org.uk/southnorwood/course/. Sources: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/south-norwood-country-park https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/3888854-south-norwood-country-park