George Smith (30 April 1765 – 26 December 1836) MP, banker and a director of the East India Company, bought the freehold in 1810.

After concerns were raised about the rapid development of the village, a committee was formed to ensure that an area of 200 acres (0.81 km2) would be set aside and saved for a nature reserve and bird sanctuary.

This opened to the public in 1936 and was given to the National Trust after Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council and the Corporation of Croydon agreed to manage it jointly.

Through Selsdon nature Reserve and Littleheath Woods runs the Vanguard Way and the London Loop which are well marked walking trails.

In 1970 it was the venue of a Conservative Shadow Cabinet meeting to settle the party's manifesto for the impending general election.

'The Selsdon Gazette' also organised by the association is a monthly free publication of local news and stories, publishing since 1946.

It contains a variety of shops, banks, cafes, the local Baptist Church and two pubs (the Sir Julian Huxley and a micro-pub).

There are Tramlink stops at Gravel Hill and Coombe Lane, about 1.5 and 2 miles from the town centre respectively.

It is also served by Metrobus routes 409 and 411 which provide connections to Caterham, Redhill, Godstone, Lingfield and East Grinstead.