Wapping Woods

Wapping was originally a Saxon settlement. This area was known as a marshland until the 16th century when it was drained. It then became a rich meadow and garden ground until it was acquired for the London Docks. By 1969, the docks at Wapping were empty. Trees were planted and it was optimistically called Wapping Woods. However, the trees could not survive and the result is the small park we have today.

If you look carefully, you will notice some telltale signs of its days as a dock, such as the iron mooring rings. Starting from March, you can find gentle crocuses here. Later in spring, some other flowers do appear. In the summer, part of the Woods consist of tall non-walkable grass with red puppies. Bird watchers love this place. Apparently, gold crest, robin and dunnock were seen here, along with magpies in the trees and occasionally you can see small flocks of starlings flying overhead.

For more history, check out Tobacco Dock just a few meters away. It was built later than the rest of the docks, using revolutionary iron columns. This is all that remains of Alexander’s warehouses. They were redeveloped recently with the intention of becoming an exclusive shopping centre. However, it suffered during the recession and it’s still empty.

For thirsty throats I would recommend a small pub called, Town of Ramsgate with the direct riverside views.

Address: 62 Wapping High Street, London, E1W 2PN
Closest station to Wapping Woods in Wapping Overground.

written by neja on 2011-03-18 #places #park #flora #birds #flowers #woods #trees #green #relax #grass #plant #break #location #chill #escape #public #bushes #city #london #travel-destination #wapping #lcg