Woodland at Wimbledon Common
One of the ponds
Woodland at Wimbledon Common
One of the ponds
The Wimbledon and Putney Commons is large and well known space, one of the most important nature conservation spaces of south west London.
The main area of the Commons is situated between Roehampton and Putney to its north, Wimbledon to its southeast, and Kingston to its southwest. Access can be obtained at a number of places; the Commons offices near the Windmill are reached from Windmill Road, SW19. Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common are located to the north of the A3, in Putney.The main area of the Commons is situated between Roehampton and Putney to its north, Wimbledon to its southeast, and Kingston to its southwest. Access can be obtained at a number of places; the Commons offices near the Windmill are reached from Windmill Road, SW19. Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common are located to the north of the A3, in Putney. It is large enough that the sound of traffic becomes quite low toward its centre.
Today, much of Wimbledon Common consists of patches of rough grass meadows, separated by areas of woodland. Woodland dominates the west of the common. Some of its area is taken up by a golf course. On its south, the commons borders the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, a member only club. Also a little way further to the south is Cannizaro Park. To the northwest is Putney Heath Cemetery, separating part of the commons from the A3 Roehampton Vale.Putney Heath comprises both the northern section of the main common, and a part that is situated nearby, on the other (northwest) side of the A3. However, Putney Lower Common is some distance away, near Barnes and near the Putney Hospital.
The commons contain a large expanse of heathland, some bogs, including sphagnum bogs, as well as many wooded and forest areas. There are several ponds and lakes, many of which were created by gravel extraction.The commons in general are rich in wildlife. Much of Wimbledon Common comprises a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Among the important insect species are stag beetles, for which this is a prime site, and dragonflies, for which this is of regional importance. Mammals known here include 5 bat specie, and there are also badgers present.Much of the management of the site aims to maintain its nature conservation status. There is a nature trail, details on the website and at the Windmill Museum. There are also some historic and archaeological sites on the common (see below in the history section).
The Windmill Museum is devoted to windmills, and it also holds a collection of carpentry tools. There is a cafeteria nearby.
There are other recreational facilities available, including golf and horse-riding. Part of the commons consists of playing fields - the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields. These provide football, rugby, cricket, and Australian Rules football. The sports clubs based on the Commons include;A number of other activities and events take place on the commons, including local fairs, horse shows, walks, and runs. Many of these are listed on the Commons website.
The area has been used from early times. There are some Iron Age earthworks on the south of the commons. There is also a well from Roman times, now filled in.
The best known building in the park include the Wimbledon Windmill, which is now itself a museum of windmills. This was built as corn mill, it the early 19th century, and was taken out use later in the century. Part of it was converted to cottages, and the main building was converted later into the museum.There are also several war memorials on the Commons, and an obelisk on Putney Heath.
The area is known to have been occupied back to prehistoric times. The commons contain an ancient pre-Roman hill fort (Caesar's Camp), though this is now partially obliterated by 19th century works, and by the presence of a members only golf course on part of it. There are also some old barrows elsewhere on the common, believed to be from Celtic times.
Until the 19th century it was used as common land, for the people of the neighbouring villages. It continued to be owned by a Lord of the Commons.A proposal was first put forward in 1864 to enclose or build on various parts of it. This proposal did not go through. In 1871 it was obtained as public land by agreement with the then Lord of the Manor, and an act was passed establishing the body called the Conservators, who now manage it. Funds are raised for its maintenance by a special local rate levy on residents within a set distance from the Commons.
An interesting historical fact is that Robert Baden-Powell wrote 'Scouting for Boys' while living in part of the windmill building in 1908.The commons are managed by the Conservators of Wimbledon and Putney Commons. Their website has detailed information on the common.
There is an Information Centre, situated by the Ranger's Office.