Local legend says that this unusual stip of land was saved from
development because Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh strolled
along here. However, modern history has a different answer. From
plans, this cache is located on the original route of the planned
M23 into London. It is possible that junction 6 would have been
located here. It is slightly ironic that at the far end of this
strip, there's a sign noting that motorised vehicles are
prohibited.
As you may have noticed, the M23 in its current state is
incomplete, starting near Hooley at junction 7. It was originally
planned to enter further into London, and terminate
on Ringway
2 (more). When
Ringway 2 was shelved in 1972, the M23 would have terminated
messily in Streatham. This, combined with the fact it would
destroy many residential properties in Wallington and
Beddington, the Department of Transport had given up the plans
by 1980. Since the plans for this section of the motorway were
going to happen at one time, the Department of Transport owned
some of the land along the route until 1995, when it sold the
majority off. Areas of no, or new development are visible in
satellite images.
A more detailed history of the M23, with route maps, and other
road history and information see the CBRD website.