insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 93

TOWNSPOTLIGHT Chislehurst Caves S P O T L I G H T Jubilee Country Park O N petts wood BY LISAMARIE LAMB Petts Wood lies on the outskirts of South East London and is close to Orpington. This village is a perfectly picturesque example of Kentish life, with shops, restaurants, its own railway station, and a history dating back to 1577. Walking around Petts Wood is almost like going back in time to the 1930s, and that’s exactly why the place is so well loved and regarded in the surrounding area. Suburban and comforting, Petts Wood is the place where the past comes alive and the future is bright. Jubilee historyCountry in briefPark The name Petts Wood first appears in 1577 and it literally means the wood belonging to the Petts. The Pett family were shipbuilders, and their wood was leased out to timber merchants. Although a useful and well-known place – especially within timber and shipbuilding circles – Petts Wood didn’t become a village until the 1920s (when the railway was built there in anticipation of a London-led future) and '30s (when most of the houses were built, and it became the ideal commuter town). Not much has changed since then; at least when it comes to the buildings, which is one of the reasons Petts Wood is such a popular place to live. things to do Jubilee Country Park – Jubilee Country Park is 62 acres of wildflowers meadows, hedgerows, and semi-natural ancient woodland. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy the countryside around Petts Wood. It is possible to walk along a specially designed ‘wildlife corridor’ between this park and nearby Scadbury Park Local Nature Reserve. Jubilee Country Park is a Site of Metropolitan Important for Nature Conservation Grade II, which means it is protected by local environmental groups, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission. It contains chalk meadows that are an important habitat for wildlife, and is also part of the London Cycle Network. Chislehurst Caves – The Chislehurst Caves are probably the most famous attraction in Chislehurst, and they are less than two miles away from Petts Wood. Every day you can visit the caves and take part in a guided tour, where experts on both Chislehurst and the caves themselves will give you an idea of the history behind these six hectares of underground passages that lie 30 metres below the ground. Your guide will take you on a journey of true discovery, with just a lamp lighting the way. It’s atmospheric, fascinating, and creepy, and shouldn’t be missed. The tours start at 10am each day, and then continue on the hour until 4pm. They last for around 45 minutes. With free parking, a café, and a gift shop, visiting the Chislehurst Caves is an excellent way to spend some time. dining out The William Willett Memorial – William Willett was a staunch campaigner for daylight saving time. Although he lived in Chislehurst (close by to Petts Wood), there is a memorial to him in the Rising Sun – This fantastic little gem of a restaurant offers sushi in many different forms. Located on Petts Wood’s Fairway, diners are treated to exceptional dishes that, some have 93 form of a sundial in the wood itself. In 1907, Willett published (using his own money) a pamphlet entitled The Waste of Daylight. The proposal that he put forward was that the clocks should go forward by 80 minutes every April, and back 80 minutes in September, although this should be done in steps, at 20 minutes each Sunday during those months.