The Friends of Selsdon Woods are holding an open day on Sunday 7th September 2008 between noon and 4pm. It is an opportunity to learn more about the woodlands which are owned by the National Trust and managed by Croydon Council. There will be stalls, attractions and refreshments by the car park on Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon.

Other groups such as the RSPB will also be there to share their love of birds and there knowledge of these woods. Locally Selsdon Woods are known as the "Bird Sanctuary" as so many birds live there, so bring along your binoculars and see how many you can spot.

There will be two guided walks during the day. The first between 1 -2pm and the second 3 -4pm. Both will be led by the Park Ranger. For children up to 10 years old there will be story time with the Children's Librarian from Selsdon Library.

The T33 bus stop in Sandpiper Road is the nearest to the woods entrance and runs quite regularly. There is also a car park but parking is limited.

If you have never been to these woods before this is an ideal chance to walk through them with a guide or just take a stroll along the well marked paths. You could even bring a picnic as there are open fields which are a wonderful suntrap – that is assuming we eventually get some sun.

If you can't make the open day or just want some more information about this wonderful open space you can find out more or contact the friends group at www.createforum.com/selsdonwoods

The following Sunday Gavin Barwell the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate will be in Selsdon Woods on the final leg of his sponsored walk. He is walking around the boundary of Croydon Central to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society. His walk will start in New Addington and follow the constituency boundary passing through various woods, South Norwood Country Park, Lloyds Park and Selsdon Woods and finishing up a steep hill in Featherbed Lane back to New Addington. If you would like to sponsor him you can via www.justgiving.com/gavinbarwell.