周辺の天然記念物・トップ15

Oxleas Wood is one of the few remaining areas of truley ancient woodland within the London area. It dates back to the last ice age, about 8,000 years ago. It would have been part of a much larger belt of woodland covering much of this area of the country. The area of deciduous woodland is a SSSI and comprises mainly of mature oak, silver birch, hornbeam and coppice hazel.

Over past centuries, Scadbury Park was managed as a country estate. It's now a local nature reserve, featuring the "Acorn Trail" which is a sign-posted route through the reserve. The first post (anti-clockwise from the car park) is by an ancient oak tree (400+ years!) The route can be muddy and there are some gradients, steps and gates so do come here prepared.

Lullingstone Country Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The park is home to diverse flora and fauna and features trails that wind through ancient woodlands and grasslands. As well as this, it's home to Lullingstone Castle, a historic manor house with a unique World Garden. This garden showcases plants from around the globe and is a testament to the adventurous spirit of the owners who collected them.

A beautiful spot to walking through once you get through the industrial estates

Any number of footpaths can bring you to the confluence of the Rivers Darent and Thames – it's quite a remarkable place. From here, you can see the impressive Darent flood barrier as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge spanning the Thames. From here, you can walk along the Thames in either direction or walk upstream along the Darent.

Crofton Heath and woodland lie just west of Orpington. There are plenty of trails here to roam around on and enjoy some serenity. As you wander, it's hard to believe settlements surround you just beyond the treeline. The woods span 200 acres (81 ha), enveloping you in greenery.

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Follow NCN1 to the mouth of the River Darenth