Hawth Woods

This is a much-loved and very interesting area of woodland, which has been neglected for decades and has had some narrow escapes from development. It used to be much richer in wildlife than it is now, and has lost its orchids and enormous pollard beech. However, the main interest is historic. Much of it was an iron ore mining site in the 17the century and "bell pits" or collapsed mine shafts are still much in evidence. The grassy area by Hawth Avenue used to be the ore-roasting glade. There is now an information board here, and a circular walk. The eponymous theatre was built in a cleared area of the wood.

A good Pokemon spot

A small woodland area that's a bit of a haven.

It's surrounded by the tracks and Southgate Park on one side, housing and the main road on the other.

Sadly they means the woods have no room to naturally expand. And every so often the fell trees for reasons beyond my comprehension. It's a real shame.

Despite this, you'll find jays, thrushes, blackbirds, wood pigeons and the odd woodpecker here. And seemingly half of Crawley's grey squirrels.