Editing Coulsdon (section)

==Open spaces==
In 1883, to prevent further loss of common lands arising from the [[inclosure act]]s, the Corporation of London (under provisions of the [[Corporation of London (Open Spaces) Act 1878]]), purchased from Squire Byron (Lord of the Manor of Coulsdon) [[Farthing Downs]], Coulsdon Common and Kenley Common, to add to the earlier purchase of [[Riddlesdown Common]].<ref name="rdh" /><ref name= "col1" /> The [[London Borough of Croydon]] own and maintain several parks, including [[Happy Valley Park|Happy Valley]], which, together with Farthing Downs, is designated is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>[http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003445.pdf Natural England, Farthing Downs and Happy Valley citation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040655/http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003445.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

Rickman Hill Park is the highest public park in London, at 155 metres [[Above Ordnance Datum|above sea level]].

A memorial park and recreation ground was purchased from the Byrons by Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council and Hall & Co Ltd in 1920, it was opened in 1921.

The [[London Outer Orbital Path|London Loop]] footpath passes through Happy Valley and Farthing Downs between [[Hamsey Green]] and [[Banstead]]. The Coulsdon section was the first of the 24 to be opened.

Grange Park was obtained partly by Public Subscription but mostly by Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council in 1929 from the owners of the Coulsdon Court Golf Course.  The land was sold for use as an open space or pleasure and recreation ground.  Grange Park was formerly part of Squire Byrons Coulsdon Court Estate. Grange Park is situated in a designated conservation area in the heart of Old Coulsdon and incorporates a children's play area and recreational green space. In total, Grange Park represents local green space of around 8 acres.