*Historical* This is all that’s left of a small railway connected to a patchwork of waterways belonging to a long lost, but once major local industry.
It was here in Hackbridge, on the edge of the borough that edible wild watercress was grown on a commercial scale – and this is the only place left where Wandle water still irrigates the land.
The chalk spring water was once clean enough to grow edible wild watercress from its source in Carshalton, and along the river to here at this beautiful nature reserve in Hackbridge.
The track itself ran from the edge of the land past heated cloches (mini greenhouses) used to grow mustard cress, which was then loaded onto wagons for transportation.
The date of the its use is unclear, but presumably early to mid 20th century.
Unfortunately much of the track was lifted, but luckily some survives.
You can walk around the historic area via a wooden boardwalk during special public open days.
With thanks to volunteer Norman Jones for the tour and Councillor Dave Tchil for inviting me along. The wetlands’ postal address is Spencer Road Wetlands, Wood Street, Mitcham, CR4 4JT. Find on Google maps. It’s open the first Saturday of each month.
More on Carshalton watercress history.
I can just remember the watercress beds, and the rails, in Beddington in 1960. We used to mess around there on our way home from Wally Boys – the first years were in Carew Manor in those days. There were concrete-lined beds and rail tracks between them. I seem to remember little turntables as well. The beds were disused by then, and redeveloped soon after.
Hi I lived a stone throw from the wandle and the river Thames it needs respect not a dumping ground
Hi
Love the old trains plus the underground station a blast from the past🙂↕️