tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617787042475515385.post4495928437136948265..comments2024-02-01T21:49:33.565+00:00Comments on Tired of London, Tired of Life: Have tea at the Oxleas Wood CafeTom Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18201345543198833859noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617787042475515385.post-82892050509529772582011-01-05T20:57:38.006+00:002011-01-05T20:57:38.006+00:00the 8000 year antiquity of oxleas woods has been a...the 8000 year antiquity of oxleas woods has been agreed by various commentators on the grounds that 'high fidelity indicator' species live here. this includes the wild service tree which does not spread by seeding but through tree suckers, effectively leading the conclusion that where they are found, they have been since the woodland began. the wild service tree was also known as the chequers tree, apparently due to the check patterns on the bark, and its berries were used to flavour an alcoholic drink - with various london pubs possibly being named chequers as a result.<br /><br />the old age of the woods, their numerous species, and the affection they are held in has saved them from govt attempts to concrete them over on 2 notable occasions (ringway2, elrc), and the woods also played a part in the shelving of the recent thames gateway bridge plans, which would have fed the lobby for more trunk roads in selondon.<br /><br />near the woods are also woodlands farm, reportedly the only 'real' farm left in london, and severndroog castle, a folly which is due to be restored to public use as a result of a long lasting campaign.<br /><br />lubetkin fans can also see his first british work (some modernist houses) on nearby genesta road.hillyhttp://e-shootershill.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617787042475515385.post-87119640094635874282010-12-29T21:26:59.592+00:002010-12-29T21:26:59.592+00:00Must pay it a visitMust pay it a visitMohttp://aglimpseoflondon.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com