Croydon

Addington Hills (also known as Shirley Hills) is a stunning green space in Upper Shirley, London, managed by the London Borough of Croydon. Originally part of the old parish of Addington, it remained largely untouched until the suburb of Shirley developed in the 1930s.

The site is mainly woodland on a gravel bed, with London’s largest area of heathland at its heart, making it a Site of Metropolitan Importance. In the mid-18th century, it was even a popular cricket venue for the once-prominent Addington Cricket Club.

The heathland is dominated by heather and gorse, with bilberry, goldenrod, and bell heather thriving in drier areas. The acid grasslands are a mix of fine-leaved fescues, wavy hair-grass, and purple moor-grass, along with wood sage and heath bedstraw. In damper spots, you’ll find marsh violet and hard fern—both considered rare in London.

The landscape is also a haven for burrowing bees and wasps, while the bushy heathers and acid-loving grasses provide shelter for a wide variety of insects, spiders, and invertebrates, all perfectly adapted to the warm, dry conditions. This rich invertebrate life supports a diverse range of birds and reptiles.

Among the wildlife, you might spot common lizards and slowworms basking in open areas. Green woodpeckers frequent both the woods and the heath, while goldcrests flit along the woodland edges and through the gorse.

A true gem of Croydon’s natural landscape, Addington Hills offers a fascinating mix of history, wildlife, and sweeping views—perfect for a peaceful escape from city life.