Mitcham Common

Mitcham Common is a large open space of 182 hectares in south London, mostly in the London Borough of Merton but crossing into Croydon and Sutton. It is one of the most important sites in London for nature conservation. The land was once used by local people for grazing animals and collecting turf and timber. In the 19th century gravel pits replaced the grazing land as material for road building became valuable. Public opposition led by George Parker Bidder QC helped protect the common under the Metropolitan Commons Act 1866 and the Metropolitan Commons (Mitcham) Supplemental Act 1891. The common’s landscape has changed over centuries. The River Thames shifted course long ago, uncovering gravels that first grew grasses and flowering plants. Without grazing and tree cutting, woodland began to grow back in the late 19th century. The soil is acidic and often dry, but landfill and wartime ploughing brought nutrients to the surface. This created a variety of soil types and habitats. The Seven Islands pond and Bidder’s pond, created in 1990, are among the water features on the common. A few buildings remain on Mitcham Common. The Windmill Trading Estate dates back to 1782 when it housed workhouses for the poor. Companies like Hooper’s Telegraph Works once used the buildings. Today the estate includes housing apartments. Nearby are the Mill House Ecology Centre and the Harvester pub, close to the remains of an old windmill. A carved granite stone honours George Parker Bidder. The common is managed by a board with representatives from local councils.