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Post 6

Ahead the path cuts through an earth embankment. The embankment, and the water filled ditch just behind you, form Grim's Dyke, a linear feature that can still be traced as far as Montesoles Recreation Ground in Pinner Green to the west, and which is probably the same structure that can be seen in Pear Wood in Stanmore to the east. It remains unclear when and why it was built although the best current guess is around 100 AD, as a boundary marker.

Grims Dyke has an unlikely connection with Soho Square in the centre of London. In 1681 a sculpture of King Charles II was installed in the square. In 1875 the statue was moved here and set up in the water filled ditch (see sketch below), only to be returned to the square in 1938, where it stands today as if it had never left.

Charles II statue

Continue downhill a little way until you reach Lady Gilbert's Orchard, with its small information panel. This orchard was originally planted while the Gilberts lived here, and several old apple trees survive from that period, including a very rare variety called "Nelson's Glory". A number of interesting and uncommon insects live here including the Black Headed Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa coccinea (image below). The wardens organize regular moth trapping and release in the orchard, and to date have recorded 176 different species!

Pyrochroa coccinea

Return to post 5 by the lake the way you came. At post 5, follow the lower arrow to continue round the lake back to the gravel steps. Go up the steps, but at the top take the left hand path at the fork.

To next post, post 7

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