Kenley - A Green Town

Once part of Coulsdon Manor, Kenley is in the southern portion of the London Borough of Croydon and much of the area lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt. Plenty of open spaces, a rich history, sense of civic community and ideal location has helped the town of Kenley to thrive in the modern world while holding on to its historic roots. Primarily farmland up until the introduction of the railway in 1856, the tradition of wide open spaces and greenery is still embraced within the town today. In the north of the town lies Riddlesdown, a designated Site of Scientific Interest. Riddlesdown is made up of extensive wood and scrub land and is famous for the wide variety of orchids that grow there. To the south of the town lies Kenley Common which is made up of fifty-six hectares of open chalk grassland and woodland nestled amongst very gently rolling hills. From here you can take in the magnificent views across Caterham valley and the North Downs. Foxley Wood at the foot of the North Downs also provides eleven hectares of urban and ancient woodland that is open to the public and maintained by civic volunteer group Friends of Foxley. This love of nature is not unique to these common areas and parks however and you will find many smaller areas of greenery nestled in amongst the building and homes. Tree-lined streets are prevalent and smaller parks and playgrounds are dotted amongst the homes in the town and suburbs. The emphasis here is on tradition and there are a number of civic groups such as KENDRA (Kenley and District Residents' Association) who celebrate and protect the town's heritage. In World War II, RAF Kenley played a significant part in the Battle of Britain and much of the airfield is preserved in the common and adjacent aerodrome which now plays host to the glider of the Air Training Corps and the Surrey Hills Gliding Club. When in Kenley the greenery and history make it easy to forget that you are only fourteen miles from London and this feel, coupled with excellent transport links, make the town ideal for commuters. By train you can reach London by either of two lines with changes going to London Bridge and London Victoria. For those travelling further afield Kenley station runs regular services to East Croydon where you can find major lines to a number of destinations. For drivers, Kenley is only eight miles from junction 6 of the M25 and holiday-makers are only twenty miles from London's Gatwick Airport. A small high street filled with shops and pubs supports the residents while larger shopping centres are available in neighbouring Purley or Croydon. Two primary schools service the town and there are numerous fee-paying and state schools available in Oxted, Caterham and Woldingham ensuring that residents have a number of options available. Overall Kenley is an idyllic town which manages to hold on to its identity as such even though it is only a stone's throw away from the city centre.

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