| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 | |
| Location | Greater London |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | TQ310565 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 67.2 hectares |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Happy Valley Park is a public park inCoulsdon in theLondon Borough of Croydon. It is owned and managed by Croydon Council. Located in theGreen Belt, most of it forms part of the Farthing Downs and Happy ValleySite of Special Scientific Interest.
The 67-hectare (170-acre) site is a steeply sided valley with large areas of grassland and wooded slopes.[1] The diverse chalk grasslands on the eastern and north-western sides are rich in many species of herb which are uncommon in London, and the nationally scarceman orchid andround-headed rampion have also been recorded. Devilsden Wood on the western side has a canopy ofash,oak andhazel. Trees such asmidland hawthorn and plants such assweet woodruff are characteristic of ancient woodlands.[2]
The site was purchased in 1937 by the formerCoulsdon and Purley Council as a link betweenFarthing Downs and Coulsdon Common under theGreen Belt scheme. The nameHappy Valley was adopted in 1970.[3]
There is access from Fox Lane, off Coulsdon Road, and from Farthing Downs. TheLondon Loop goes through the park.
51°17′44″N0°06′56″W / 51.295605°N 0.115443°W /51.295605; -0.115443