Wilding Wandsworth Common: a local initiative

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Olivia reports on an exciting local initiative that is making Wandsworth Common a more diverse space for wildlife.

Wandsworth Common

Many WHS students live near Wandsworth Common and maybe already know what a large and varied green space it is. An easily accessible park full of wonderful biodiversity, it spans over 171 acres, making it more than double the size of Wimbledon Park.

Wandsworth Common was originally privately owned property. This year marks one hundred and fifty years since it was handed over to conservationists. To celebrate this milestone anniversary of the Wandsworth Common Act, the Friends of Wandsworth Common (FoWC) has set up an initiative to increase biodiversity there, planting trees, creating mini-forests and putting in wildlife corridors. The common currently has ponds, grasslands, wetlands and forests which are thriving with biodiversity. It is an ecosystem of swans, ducklings, frogs, butterflies and many other species. They have identified twenty-eight different kinds of butterfly over twenty years of monitoring.

Creating a legacy

To give this anniversary a lasting legacy, they are planting one hundred and fifty new trees. They began this project last year and have currently planted around fifty saplings. These trees will grow to reduce carbon dioxide and provide a habitat for the common’s wildlife. It will also encourage more birds to nest and settle down there too!

The mini-forest created by the FoWC spans one hundred square metres. It includes trees and shrubs that will connect the existing woodlands. The initiative also involves growing a hedge and planting wildflowers around one section of the common. This will screen the much-loved St Mark’s church and playground from noise. It will also create a rich wildlife corridor against the nearby A3, making the most of the space available.  Insects species will flourish in our busy urban streets.

In order to achieve these anniversary goals, the FoWC are raising money to buy trees and plants. To find out more or donate to this worthwhile cause follow the link. So, next time you’re looking for a place to walk why not visit Wandsworth Common and see what wildlife you can spot?