Marten’s Grove Park

An extensive park, oblong in shape, occupying part of the grounds of Marten's Grove. Marten’s Grove house was built in 1850 by the then owner John Shaw (architect and surveyor) in association with the builder Mr G Lock. Lock and Nesham also built and designed nearby Oakwood (q.v.). Shaw purchased c.70 acres of freehold land of Marten’s Grove Wood. After Lock died in 1854 the two houses were sold to Mr Robert Lloyd in 1861. Lloyd made major changes to the house after which it remained virtually unaltered until the estate was sold to a property developer some time after it went on the market in 1927. The house was demolished in 1932 and most of the site was developed for housing but much of the land to the north of the house was unsuitable for housing and it was offered to Crayford Urban District Council for use as a recreation ground. The Council eventually agreed to purchase 22 acres. Martens Grove Recreation Ground was opened on 1 July with the large ornamental lake transformed into a swimming pool. The pool became too expensive to maintain and finally closed in 1986. The park embodies a variety of landscapes. Entering from Spring Vale there is a long ravine with steep wooded sides that widens into a flat grass area, the site of the swimming pool. Beyond this a finger of woodland and a steep slope continues east, eventually becoming a short lane leading out onto an old road near the junction.

There are two blocks of ancient woodland (NCC 1985), predominantly Oak on the hilltops, specimen trees apparently later planting. Between the two woods are specimen conifers, flowering shrubs, and incongruous rose beds. Part of the east woodland is underplanted with Laurel, and including a large Copper Beech, but this is now in the separate ownership of a school. The municipal layout of paths is good, with beautifully made curving paths up and down the slopes.