Oxleas Wood
Oxleas Wood
They almost ploughed a road through it a few years back, but somehow Oxleas Wood survived, and it remains one of the most ancient deciduous areas of woodland in the capital, the jewels in Shooters Hill's green crown, on the fringes of Greenwich borough. It's actually just one of several linked woodlands up here, and encompasses Castle Woods – home to grand folly Severndroog Castle – Jack Woods and other bits of park and woodland. It's part of the South London Green Chain Walk, and both a designated nature reserve and Site of Scientific Special Interest, but is mainly of interest for its woodland walks, winter tobogganing and autumn blackberrying opportunities, and most famously for the café perched at the top of its central grassy meadow – the perfect place for a big breakfast after a crisp winter walk with the dog.