St Lawrence’s Hospital Burial Ground in Chaldon is the final resting place of thousands of former patients from the old St Lawrence’s Hospital, which operated from the 1870s to the 1990s. Once neglected, it is now owned and managed by Chaldon Village Council and local volunteers. It is open for public access, and is managed in an environmentally friendly manner to protect its biodiversity.
Donated to the village (by gifting it to the National Trust) in 1926 by Martin Coles Harman, this 6.69 acres of open space is Chaldon’s main recreational area. The cricket pavilion and scout hut are both on the site. It is the home of the Village Fete on the August Bank Holiday Monday and the Fireworks Night in November. See an article about its history
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At over 250 acres Happy Valley is a nationally important area of Ancient Chalk Grassland and Hazel Coppice. It is owned and managed by Croydon Council. Located in the Green Belt, most of it forms part of the Farthing Downs and Happy Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Situated to the North of Chaldon, this iconic chalk spur with stunning views over central London is home to an array of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. Combined with neighbouring Happy Valley, Farthing Downs has the most extensive population of greater yellow-rattle in the UK which can be seen among brightly coloured orchids, bedstraws and scabious in spring and summer.
On the southern side of Chaldon. Quarry Hangers is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. As the name suggests it is on the escarpment that now looks over the M25. A chalk downland habitat with over 40 different plant species per square metre, you will always have something to marvel at.
Park Ham
On the southern side of Chaldon, adjoining Quarry Hangers, Park Ham is another important chalk grassland habitat. Chalk grassland is one of the UK’s rarest and most endangered wildlife habitats. Park Ham is grazed by sheep from the Surrey Downland’s Project and this section of land shows how grazing can be a key management process.
