A Day in the Life of Wimbledon & Putney Common

Travellers

2010-11-10T16:31:00.000Z

We are pleased to report that the travellers have left the site at the junction of Wildcroft ROad and Telegraph Road. Our staff have cleared away the rubbish and will begin putting posts in place Thursday morning.

Travellers on Putney Heath

2010-10-29T11:54:00.003+01:00

At Wandsworth County Court on 28th October, the Conservators were granted an immediate Order for Possession of the land at the top of Telegraph Road currently occupied by the travellers. A Warrant for Possession has also been lodged with the Court.

As they have not immediately left the site, the Bailiffs can step in to move them on. We are currently waiting to hear from the Bailiffs when that will be.

Update: 3rd November - The Bailiff is waiting to receive the Warrant from the Clerk of the Court before she can execute the Order for Possession.

Update: 4th November - We have been advised that the Warrant has been issued by the Clerk of the Court today and will be handed to the Bailiff on Friday. The Bailiff will then advise us when they will execute the Warrant.

Update: 5th November - The Bailiff has now received the warrant. She will execute this on Monday morning and the travellers must be off the site by Friday.

Travellers on Putney Heath

2010-07-02T11:17:00.000+01:00

The Ranger's Office and the Conservators are aware of the travellers on Putney Heath.

The necessary legal process is in hand to have them removed as quickly as possible.

DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS!

2010-06-23T11:13:00.001+01:00

Please be aware in this current hot weather that leaving your dog in your car, even for a short time, can be fatal to your dog. If we are made aware that a dog is in distress in a vehicle and the owner cannot be located, our staff will break into the car to get the dog out. Under the Animal Welfare Act, you now have a legal duty to care for your animal and if you put your animal at risk, you could face prosecution.

Even walking your dog in the heat of the day can be dangerous, so please think twice about throwing those balls or having your dog running alongside your bike during the day. Try to keep long walks to the cool of the early morning. Please also bear in mind that dogs lose body heat through their paws so you do also need to take care when walking in the evening: it may feel cool but the ground is still very warm.

Tips for hot weather

Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.

Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined!

If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.

Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent small amounts.

Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot.
Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of the summer, and later in the season, if necessary.

Dogs need exercise - even when it is hot. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.

Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreen.

Early warning signs for heatstroke

Heatstroke can be fatal. Do everything you can to prevent it.

Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs with short snouts, fatter or heavily muscled dogs and long-haired breeds, as well as very old or very young dogs. Dogs with certain diseases are more prone to heatstroke, as are dogs on certain medication.

If dogs are unable to reduce their body temperature, they will develop heatstroke.
There are some signs to look for:

heavy panting
profuse salivation
a rapid pulse
very red gums/tongue
lethargy
lack of coordination
reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
vomiting
diarrhoea
loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances.

First Aid for Heatstroke

If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him/her to a shaded, cool area and ring your vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered.

Immediately douse your dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock – you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, or use a spray filled with cool water and place your dog in the breeze of a fan.

Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.

Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle – never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.

Once you have cooled your dog down you should take him/her straight to the veterinary surgery.

Drinking Fountain near the Windmill

2010-06-22T10:49:00.001+01:00

As many of you are aware, the drinking fountain near the windmill has been out of operation for some months. Despite numerous attempts at repair it continued to stop working and, unfortunately, the parts required to fix the problem were no longer made.

The Conservators were therefore extremely grateful when a local resident offered a very timely and generous donation for the restoration of the original drinking fountain and the horse trough. This donation was matched by the Drinking Fountain Association who have worked with restoration specialists to restore both the trough and the drinking fountain to their former glory.

Whilst the major part of the restoration has been completed, the specialist is waiting for the delivery of parts for the drinking fountain that needed to be specially made. We hope it will all be up and running again in the next week or two.

Conservators' Annual Open Meeting

2010-06-21T12:45:00.000+01:00

The Conservators Annual Open Meeting takes place this evening (Monday 21st June 2010) at 8pm at The Cornerstone, Alton Road Roehampton SW15 4LG

The meeting is open to all Levypayers and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions of the Conservators and the Clerk & Ranger, Chief Executive at the end of the meeting.

Travellers at Putney Lower Common

2010-06-17T12:07:00.002+01:00

We are pleased to report that the travellers on Putney Lower Common have now left the Common.

2010-06-15T07:32:00.003+01:00

With such a rich variety of wildlife using the Commons, occasions may arise when extra care is required to ensure the safety of certain animals in need.

On Wednesday 9th June, the Rangers Office was contacted by a local resident who had managed to round up six Mallard ducklings they had found wandering the grounds of Highlands Heath.

The vulnerability of the six ducklings to predation was plain to see and after an unsuccessful search for the parent birds, the ducklings were brought to the Rangers Office.

Without the protection of their mother, one of the greatest dangers faced by any young bird is the ability to maintain their body heat.

Therefore, on arrival at the Rangers Office, staff ensured the ducklings were placed underneath a heat lamp and given access to clean water and food.

Unfortunately, it soon became evident that one of the ducklings was beginning to show signs of distress and gradually it began to lose much of its strength.

The good news however is that after one hour of being carefully wrapped in a towel and placed on a hot water bottle, the ailing duckling soon regained full strength and was able to re join its siblings.

The six ducklings are now being cared for by the team at the Riverside Animal Centre and should be released on the Commons once they have grown strong enough to look after themselves.

Gypsies on Putney Lower Common

2010-06-10T11:41:00.003+01:00

We are aware that there is a family of travellers on Putney Lower Common.

Measures are in hand to have the family removed, however, there is a legal process that has to be followed

Litter litter everywhere.

2010-06-06T10:08:00.003+01:00

Litter, it seems, has become a fact of life.

What a sad indictment that is on today's society.

Yesterday was a beautiful day and a lot of people were out enjoying the sunshine on the Common, particularly on Rushmere. Family picnics, children playing...it's lovely to see. What isn't so lovely to see is the litter left lying around once everyone has gone home.

The Ranger's Office received an e-mnail this morning from a local resident who, last night, collected three rubbish bags full of litter from what appeared to be only one group of people. This morning, two members of staff had to spend over 2 hours picking up the remainder of the litter. It will be the same tomorrow morning.

Have we become a society so uncaring about our surroundings that people can walk away from a local beauty spot without a backwards glance, or a single guilty thought, at the rubbish they've left spread out behind them?

We are often asked why we don't install more bins in the area. What would this solve? If people aren't prepared to pick up their litter in the first place, putting extra bins in place isn't going to help.

So this is a plea to all of you that use the Commons.....Please pick up your rubbish!

As ever, our thanks go out to all those that do pick up their rubbish, and that of others to try and keep the Commons at their best for everyone. It is very much appreciated.

Fires on the Commons

2010-05-26T22:10:00.003+01:00

Over the last three weeks, we have had several fires on both Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath. A few we have put out ourselves, but two have required the services of the local fire brigade.

Fortunately there was not too much damage done but it is still relatively early in the year and the ground is not as dry as it can be in mid-summer and this prevented the fires from really taking hold and causing serious damage to the flora and fauna.

But it does go to show, that even now, fire can take hold very easily. It is for this reason that barbeques are not permitted anywhere on the Commons. Please also be careful if you smoke whilst on the Commons - a carelessly discarded cigarette can easily start a fire too.

We want you to enjoy the Commons and we really don't want to be spoilsports and stop your summer fun, but the Commons are an important ecological area and the damage a fire can do to this important habitat can be devastating.

Our thanks go to the firemen of Wandsworth and Wimbledon for their prompt action in getting the recent fires under control so quickly.

Commons Newsletter - May 2010

2010-05-12T14:30:00.003+01:00

The Commons Newsletter is now being distributed to all our Levypayers. If you do not receive your copy by 28th May, could you please contact the Ranger's Office to let us know. rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk

Commons Newsletter

2009-05-17T10:10:00.003+01:00

The 2009 Commons News is currently being distributed to all Commons' Levy-Payers. If you have not received your copy by Friday 22nd May, please contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655 or by e-mail: rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk

Results of Conservators' election

2009-03-04T09:49:00.005Z

The results of the recent election for Conservators is as follows:

David Devons 9,969 votes ELECTED
Diana de Coverly Veale 9,289 votes ELECTED
Andrew Simon 9,196 votes ELECTED
Norman Plastow 8,380 votes ELECTED
John Horrocks 8,378 votes ELECTED
Peter Pemberton 6,408 votes
Edward Harris 4,173 votes

22.4% of levy-payers voted, an increase on the 21% who voted in the 2006 election.

Did you vote? If not, was there any reason why not? The Conservators would be interested to know what would encourage more people to vote in future elections.

Website problems

2009-03-04T09:48:00.001Z

We are currently experiencing a few issues with our website at www.wpcc.org.uk so it is not as up-to-date as it should be. We hope to rectify this problem as soon as possible.

DANGER! THIN ICE!!

2009-01-06T12:29:00.002Z

With this recent cold spell, most of the ponds on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath are freezing over. They look lovely and the ice looks pretty solid and the temptation to try to skate on them or wander out onto the ice must be a little overhelming.

But please be very very careful.

The ice may look thick and solid enough to bear even the weight of a child, but it isn't. It can easily break and to risk a toddler fallng through into that ice cold water is not something anyone should be contemplating.

We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but please tread very carefully.

Tia, a Jack Russell puppy is missing. Have you seen her?

2008-08-19T09:50:00.004+01:00

Tia, a young Jack Russell puppy, went missing from Wimbledon Common on Sunday 17th August. She was spooked by another dog and ran off with her extendable lead still attached. If you have seen Tia or have any information, please call her distraught owners on 07770 483645 or the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655.

Water Trough

2008-07-28T11:07:00.001+01:00

We apologise for the water fountain being out of order.

We are awaiting parts but as it is no longer made it is proving difficult to get the items we need.

We aplogise for any inconvenience.

Wimbledon & Putney Commons Open Day! Sunday 13th July

2008-07-22T14:47:00.002+01:00

Well, what a day it turned out to be! With the weather still very wet on Saturday evening, we were beginning to panic about what the Open Day would have in store for us but lut luck was on our side and the day dawned bright and sunny and, apart from a few cloudy intervals, stayed that way all day.

All the staff would like to thank everyone who helped make the day a success...the charity stall holders, those giving demonstrations in the arena and, most of all, to you, the public for turning out once again to support us!

Here's a selection of photographs from the day:

Grooming demonstration:

Flyball

Shire Horse from Richmond Park

Troops from the Household Division

The dog show and the Dog Race!

Donkey Rides

Wimbledon Village Stables - Musical Ride

Falcon High Birds of Prey

Mounted Keepers strutting their stuff:

We hope you all enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing you again on the 12th July 2009!

Caterpillars

2008-05-22T11:37:00.004+01:00

If you should go down to the woods today and discover a caterpillar or two in your hair or on your clothing don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal for this time of year.

With the rising temperatures of late spring providing a catalyst for growth, the deciduous woodlands of the British Isles increasingly act as a larder for thousands of hidden creatures.

For many of us who enjoy the commons, this situation was recently highlighted by the large numbers of caterpillars that could be seen suspended from their silky life-lines above the commons many woodland tracks.

Among others, one of the most prolific caterpillars to be seen throughout the commons predominantly Oak woodlands has been the green oak tortrix (Tortrix viridana).

Easily identified, the green oak tortrix caterpillar is entirely green in colour and rarely exceeds 12mm in length. Reaching maturity the moth also remains completely green with a wingspan of approximately 20mm.

Coinciding with the initial burst of leaf development, the caterpillars are active as soon as the leaves unfold and steadily feed until the maturing leaves fill with tannin and become unpalatable for the caterpillars consumption. While the damage to leaves is sometimes striking, the trees will survive and no permanent injury is sustained.

For those of you who prefer a little less intimate contact with our woodland inhabitants, it may come as good news that there is only one brood of these caterpillars each year and they are extremely high on the food list for many of our favourite woodland birds.

Grass Cutting on the Plain

2008-05-19T09:58:00.004+01:00

As part of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators' committment to improving the ecological condition of the Commons grassland, the Plain will receive an additional cut this year at the end of May.

Forming part of the area that makes up the Commons' SSSI status (Site of Special Scientific Interest), the Plain has been documented as an area of Acid Grassland. In order to restore the appropriate diversity to this area, Natural England has been instrumental in prescribing that a bi-annual cut of approximately 60% of the area would be the best course of action.

After consultation with local experts and interest groups, the areas to be cut were chosen with the aim of causing as little disturbance to the resident fauna as possible.

If you have any queries, please contact our Wildlife and Conservation Officer, Peter Haldane on 020 8788 7655 or by e-mailing peter@wpcc.org.uk

Barbeques are not permitted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons.

2008-05-12T10:34:00.000+01:00

Bye law 10 of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871

"No unauthorised personnel shall in anywise injure, damage, or destroy any turf, gorse, furze, heather, fern, grass, timber or other trees, shrubs, brushwood, or other plants upon the Commons, or any part thereof, or dig upon or in, or break up or disturb the surface of the Commons, or of any part thereof, or of any gravel or sand-pit thereon, or light any fire upon the Commons, or wilfully or negligently place, throw or let fall any lighted or combustible substance, article or thing which may cause, or be likely to cause, damage by fire to any gorse, furze, heather, timber or other trees, shrubs, brushwood, or other plants upon the Commons. "

We realise that to many of you, this seems to make us "spoilsports", particularly if you have just put your burgers on to cook and a Keeper comes along and douses the BBQ with water. It's a lovely summer evening and you're just having a harmless BBQ in the sunshine. Where's the problem?

The problem is that, despite the wet weather we have experienced lately, it still does not take very much to set the Commons alight at this time of year. BBQs leave unsightly scorch marks in the grass and, if not attended to or extinguished properly, a fire can soon spread. The Commons are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to some rare species of flora and fauna. One careless mistake could wipe out an area of the Commons in minutes if fire takes hold.

Please do not light BBQs on the Common. Someone will report you and your BBQ will be extinguished. Offering a Keeper a sausage will not work!

Do you have a Christmas Card photograph?

2008-04-16T14:37:00.006+01:00

Do you have any photographs of the Common during the recent snow that might be suitable as a Christmas card?

The Conservators are about to begin their search for a photograph for their 2008 Christmas card and this year have decided to open the search up to include entries from the general public.

A £50* prize is on offer to the winning submission!

Entries are limited to two per person and can be sent by e-mail to rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk – please use jpg format and the highest resolution possible.

Alternatively, prints can be mailed to:

The Ranger’s Office
Manor Cottage
Windmill Road
Wimbledon Common
London SW10 5NR

Please mark your envelope "Christmas Cards".

Please include your name, address and a contact phone number with your submission.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 30th May

*subject to the copyright of the image being assigned to the Conservators.

New Reed Bed established on the Kingsmere pond

2008-03-27T11:53:00.004Z

To improve the environmental and habitat value of the Kingsmere, a small stand of Common reed (Phragmites australis) has been planted along the pond's northern edge, alongside the A3.

Phragmites australis is Britain's tallest species of grass and, when established, forms dense stands of up to 4 metres in height. This perennial reed colonises wetland sites through its ability to form an extensive system of stron roots beneath the muddy surface in which it survives.

Phragmites australis has been traditionally harvested for its use in the thatching of roofs but stands of this this reed also play a very important role for birdlife and for the overall enhancement of wetland sites.

Roxy the Lurcher is missing. - Now safely reunited!

2008-03-23T09:22:00.004Z

Invasive Species Control on Wimbledon Common Ponds - Tuesday 4th March

2008-03-04T09:29:00.003Z

On Tuesday 4th March work will be carried out by Mid-Kent Fisheries on behalf of the COnservators on the Rushmere, Seven Posts and Curling Ponds.

The treatment being used is a granular aquatic herbicide designed to safely remove the increasing problem of invasive weeds that affect the ponds.

Whilst the chemicals are harmless tpo both people and animals, it would be appreciated if dogs could be kept away from the water for the duration of this exercise.

Thank you for your co-operation.

If you have any queries, please contact Peter Haldane at the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655

Swan Update

2007-11-08T15:33:00.000Z

Following the previous post about the disappearance of one of the adult swans on Kingsmere, we can now confirm that the adult male has been killed. We still do not know how this has happened but we have found a wing and some feathers in the woods some 300m from the pond.

Because of our concerns for their safety the four youngsters, and hopefully the adult female, are, with the assistance of London Wildcare and local Swan Rescue volunteers, now being moved to a colony at Kingston Lock. This is the time of year that the juvenile swans would be leaving their parents anyway but because of the terrain at the Queensmere it is almost impossible for them to fly out on their own.

Two of the juveniles have already been moved and the others will follow - just as soon as they can be caught.

Christmas Cards are on sale!

2007-11-05T14:25:00.000Z

The 2007 Wimbledon & Putney Commons Christmas card is now on sale at the Ranger's Office. This year's picture shows the Keepers in the snow with a snowman!

We also still have some designs from previous years still available.

Pack of 10 cards for £4.

Fireworks are not permitted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons

2007-11-03T09:40:00.000Z

Please note that the setting off of fireworks is not permitted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons. Byelaw 44 states:

No unauthorised person shall fire any gun, pistol, or other fire-arm, light any firework, or throw any stone, stick, or other missile, upon the Commons, or commit any other act thereon whereby persons using or frequenting the Commons may be endangered, nor have in his possession on the Commons any fire-arm or ammunition or any air-gun or other weapon operated by compressed air or any catapult or sling or bow or arrow.

Apart from the very serious risk to other Commons' users, there is also the risk of injury or even death to the wildlife of the Commons, and a very real risk of setting fire to the fauna.

Furthermore, it is an offence under Section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.

The power to enforce this section of the Act rests with the police and they will be be called if anyone is caught setting off fireworks on the Commons. Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000.

Be warned that we take this matter very seriously.

Disappearance of Adult Swan

2007-10-30T14:15:00.001Z

On the morning of Sunday 28th October, we noted the disappearance of one of the adult swans on Queensmere.

The area around the pond has been searched and there is no evidence to suggest the swan has been killed by a predator. It may be a complete coincidence but that morning an arrow, believed to have been fired from a small bow or crossbow, was found embedded in the silt of the pond. It is therefore possible that the swan was deliverately killed and removed from the site. However, it is equally possible that the swan has flown off.

Swans on the Queensmere

The Conservators and their staff, as well as the many Commons users who have contacted the Ranger's Office, are very concerned. The pair worked hard to raise their brood in difficult circumstances and successfully reared four out of five of the young that hatched.

If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655 or by e-mail to rangers.office@btconnect.com

Mushroom picking - not permitted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons

2007-10-23T16:28:00.000+01:00

We are at that time of year when the fungi start appearing on the Commons.

Tempting as it might be to pick a few for your breakfast, please be aware that it is an offence for any unauthorised person to remove fungi from the Commons. Byelaw 9 under the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 states:

"No unauthorised person shall cut, fell, take, or sell, any gorse, heather, timber, or other trees, shrubs, brushwood, furze, fern, rushes, grass, or other plant, or natural product of the Commons on or from any part of the Commons."

We have, in the past, allowed some flexibility but the problem we now have is that many people come onto the Commons and pick four or five bagfuls of mushrooms that they then sell on to local restaurants. They do this with complete disregard for the environmental damage they cause to the area by trampling all over it, and without any thought to the ecological damage they are doing by stripping an entire area of fungi.

Once again a case of the few spoiling it for the majority.

Dog-walkers - please be aware

2007-10-01T14:53:00.000+01:00

We have been advised of an incident that happened on Putney Heath on Saturday.

A lady was walking her dog in the Frying Pan area when her dog disappeared. This was unusual and she was naturally concerned. After searching for some time, she returned home in case someone had found her dog and tried to call her. This turned out to have been the case and some four hours later the man who called her eventually answered his phone. He had "rescued" her dog and demanded a £100 for the dog's return.

This is more than likely the work of a one-off opportunist but we would advise you to be on your guard and to make sure you keep your dog in sight at all times. The police have been advised of the incident and are investigating and our Mounted Keepers will also increase their patrols in the area.

If this has happened to you on the Commons or you have heard of this happening to anyone else, then please contact the Ranger's Office immediately on 020 8788 7655 to report the incident. You should also call Wandsworth Police on 020 8947 1212 and report the matter to them.

Kona, an Italian Greyhound, is missing. Can you help?

2007-09-19T14:17:00.001+01:00

Kona is a very shy and nervous Italian Greyhound who went missing in the Wimbledon Park area on 12th September. The owner has informed us today that there has been a possible siting of Kona on Wimbledon Common.

If you are walking on the Common, please keep your eyes open for Kona and contact the owner, or the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655, if you do see him.

Stella, German Shepherd is missing

2007-08-28T16:26:00.000+01:00

Stella is a 5 year old black and tan German Shepherd cross who
went missing on Wimbledon Common on Monday 27th August.

If you see Stella, please contact her owner on 020 8971 9333 or
contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655

Spate of thefts from the Windmill Car Park

2007-08-28T12:34:00.000+01:00

We have had a spate of thefts from cars in the Windmill Car Park over the last few weeks. We are keeping an eye on the car park but we would ask all members of the public to be vigilant and not to leave any valuables in their cars.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655

Ultimate Frisbee Championships

2007-08-28T12:20:00.000+01:00

The Ultimate Frisbee Championships are being held at the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields on Sat 1st and Sunday 2nd September 2007.

Ultimate is played between two teams of seven players on a large rectangular pitch. A line drawn across the pitch at either end creates two "endzones" (like in American Football). These are the goal-scoring areas. A goal is scored when a team completes a pass to a player standing (or more likely running) in the endzone they are attacking.

Players cannot run with the disc. When you get the disc you must come to a stop and try to throw it to another player (a bit like netball). By passing from player to player, the offence attempts to work the disc up the pitch towards the endzone they are attacking. If the disc hits the ground or is intercepted or knocked down by the other team, then the opposition takes possession (a change of possession is called a "turnover", like American Football). Possession also changes if a receiver is outside the playing area when he or she catches it.

The defending team attempts to stop the team with the disc from making progress upfield by marking them (as in soccer or basketball). The theory is that the offence won't want to pass to a player who is being marked closely, as it's likely to result in an interception. So it boils down to the offence players trying to get free of their markers to receive a pass, while the defence makes every effort to stay with them in the hope of forcing a turnover.

Photo by Jon Hope

Fouls and "Spirit of the Game"

Ultimate is essentially non-contact; any contact between players can be declared a foul. There's a variety of other minor violations, but that's the big one.

Ultimate is unique in that it is refereed by the players themselves, even at World Championship level, according to a code of conduct known as "the Spirit of the Game". This places the responsibility for fair play on the players themselves. In that respect, playing Ultimate is a completely different experience to playing other sports. And believe it or not, Ultimate's system of self-refereeing works. Beautifully.

All visitors are welcome!

For more details about Ultimate, please visit the UK Ultimate Association website.

Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields (Wimbledon Common)
Roehampton Vale
LONDON SW15 3PQ

Roxy is Missing - Can you help?

2007-08-23T12:43:00.000+01:00

UPDATE: Roxy is now home!

Roxy is a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier who went missing on Wimbledon Common on Wednesday. If you have seen Roxy, or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact her owner on 07770 426800 or the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655.

Windmill Car Park Closing for Two Weeks from 17th September

2007-08-21T10:38:00.000+01:00

Over recent years, the Conservators have received many complaints about the state of the Windmill Car Park and the many potholes that form in it. Despite continual maintenance and filling-in almost every month, the potholes still come back and this is starting to become a time-consuming, and expensive, maintenance operation.

The Conservators have therefore taken the decision to tarmac the main roadways through the car park. The parking spaces will remain a hardcore surface as they are now.

This work will commence on Monday 17th September and will continue for two weeks. During this time, The Plain (the grassed area alongside Windmill Road) will be opened up for public parking.

BBQs are NOT permitted on Wimbledon Common

2007-08-12T09:49:00.000+01:00

Scouts Celebrate 100 Years with a Sunrise Ceremony!

2007-08-01T10:07:00.000+01:00

This year the Scouting movement is celebrating its centenary and to mark the event, a worldwide Jamboree is being held. As part of the celebrations scouts all over the world will, on the morning of 1st August, be holding ceremonies and will take the day to reflect on the past 100 years and look forward to the next. Every Scout will have the opportunity to renew their promise at the 8 am Sunrise Ceremony.

The Scouting movement has a long association with Wimbledon Common because Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the movement, wrote his now famous book, Scouting for Boys, whilst staying at the Windmill.

Because of this association, the local Scout groups held their Sunrise Ceremony at the Windmill on Wimbledon Common this morning. The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 scouts and their leaders and also in attendance were local MP Stephen Hammond and the Mayor of Merton, Councillor John Dehaney.

The Conservators congratulate the Scouting movement on reaching their centenary year and wish them well for the next 100 years.

Another successful Stables Open Day!

2007-07-20T09:37:00.000+01:00

The Keepers would like to thank everyone who turned up to support the Open Day this year. Despite the appalling weather forecast the day held fair and visitors turned up in their droves...... and stayed during the torrential downpour at 3pm! The lure of the Wacky Dog Show is obviously quite strong!

Some photos from the day

The Anglo-Nubian Goats - how popular were these!? They were so friendly and had no shortage of children willing to pet them!

The birds of prey are alwats popular with visitors and our thanks to HMP Latchmere for bringing them along

The Shire Horse from Richmond Park

The beautifully turned out horse and carriage

Dog-Handler, PC Steve Grange of the Wandsworth Parks Police - always a popular demonstration this one!

Our thanks to all everyone else who turned up to support us again this year:

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Greyhound Gap
RSPCA Putney
Natural England
Deen City Farm
Wildlife Watch Club
London Wildcare
Wimbledon Society
Norman Chapman - the Bee Man!
Jo Merriman - the basket weaver
Mick Baker - the man with the tools!
Army Cadets (Wandsworth) who organised the parking

The date for the Open Day next year is Sunday 13th July 2008 - mark it in your diaries now!

Do you have any suggestions for how we can make the Open Day bigger and better next year? If so, give us a call! We want to keep the event as much like a village fair as possible and to keep to a "countryside" theme.

Interested in having a stall at the Open Day? We allow charities to have stalls to sell merchandise to raise funds and awareness for their cause. We also like to have traditional craftspeople who can display their craft, and sell their items, but we will not permit purely commercial stalls. If you fit this criteria and would like a stall in 2008, please contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655 or by e-mail to rangers.office@btconnect.com

Diesel Spillage in Beverley Brook

2007-05-09T15:18:00.000+01:00

At 09.30 this morning, the Ranger's Office was advised of a diesel spillage in the Beverley Brook. The matter has been reported to the Environment Agency and they are looking into where the spillage originates. The spillage has not originated on the Commons.

The smell of diesel is quite obvious and the water should be avoided. Dog-walkers are advised not to let their dogs into the Brook.

The Brook runs through Wimbledon Common along the Playing Fields, and then through Richmond Park, before eventually coming back onto the Common at Putney Lower Common.

Water Fountain at The Trough

2007-04-13T16:11:00.000+01:00

We apologise that the water fountain has been out of order for several weeks.

We have had a leak in the area and Thames Water needed to leave the water turned off to try and locate the leak. The work has been completed and the Water Fountain is now up and running again.

We apologise for any incovenience this has caused.

Parking on The Triangle

2007-04-13T16:09:00.000+01:00

Regular visitors to the Windmill area of the Common will have noticed that the area at the top of Windmill Road, known as the Triangle, has now been designated a no parking area.

There are a number of reasons for this:

There is an increasing amount of dog fouling on this site and we consider that it has reached unacceptable levels. We have tried to encourage responsible dog owners to use the bins placed nearby, but many of them continue to ignore the mess made by their animals. Dog excrement is a pollutant and is regularly fouling the shoes of the local residents, especially when light levels are low and it cannot be avoided. In addition to this the grass surrounding the paddock is badly contaminated by faeces and urine. Children often pick this grass to feed to the horses in the paddock. This is not good for horse or child. A further reason for this restriction in parking is that the nearby grass plain is an amenity area, with the grass kept short to provide a play site for family groups during the warmer months. The heavy amount of dog fouling on the first 50 metres of this site constitutes a health hazard to young children. The dogs that do not immediately foul on the triangle site will inevitably deposit on the nearby grassland.

On occasions, and as a result of poor parking, large delivery vehicles and our own tractors and trailers are unable to gain access. Where vehicles are forced to squeeze through, there is a real risk of damage to parked cars. The Conservators have a duty of care to the public. When they are made aware of a problem that involves health and safety issues, they have to take reasonable steps to remedy the problem. In this instance there is no reason for cars to park on the road, as the Windmill Car Park is within 100 metres of The Triangle.

Many people favour parking in that area once the car park is closed. However, the byelaws governing the Commons clearly state that theremay be no parking on the Commons between dusk and dawn.

Horses on Holiday!

2007-04-13T16:05:00.000+01:00

The whole of the Stable Yard is currently being re-surfaced. Because of the noise and distress to the horses, the Keepers have taken the decision to send all four of our horses on a Spring holiday whilst the work is being completed.

We hope they will be back on a week or so.

Work at the Ranger's Office

2007-04-13T15:53:00.001+01:00

We are currently having the old Stable Block re-built into much-needed extra office space. This is causing some disruption to visitors to the Ranger's Office, particularly as the yard around the office is being re-surfaced. Whilst the re-surfacing work is being carried out, the Information Centre may be closed on some days.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Dog-Waste Bins

2007-01-23T10:38:00.000Z

Two of the dog-waste bins on the Roehampton Cricket Pitch area at the junction of Telegraph Road and Wildcroft Road have disappeared. One might have suspected vandals but not only have the bins disappeared, but the posts have been removed and the ground made good again. Not the work of your average vandal.

The bins were installed in the area in response to many complaints from local residents about dog-waste in the area. Either someone out there doesn't like them and has decided to take matters into their own hands and remove them or perhaps someone thought they would come in handy for their own use somewhere else. Either way, the loss of these bins will be considered as theft and if it is discovered who removed them, legal action will follow.

The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators are a registered charity. They run on a limited budget and funds are stretched to ensure the Commons remain a safe and secure place for people to use. It will cost us several hundreds of pounds to replace these bins and if you have any information about their removal, please do contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655 or by e-mail rangers.office@btconnect.com

Bird Report 2006

2007-01-22T16:06:00.000Z

The "Birds of Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath 2006" bird report is now available from the Ranger's Office at a cost of £3. This is the thirty-third annual report and is a detailed look at the bird life on the Common over the last year.

If you can't get to the Ranger's Office, you can send a cheque or postal order, made out to WPCC, and we will send a copy out to you by post. Please add an additional 50p to cover postage.

Dog-Waste Bins

2007-01-19T15:57:00.000Z

The Conservators have, at some expense, installed fourteen dog-waste bins around the Commons. These have been placed in the most public areas and close to car parks.

Whilst it is not compulsory for dog-walkers to pick up after their dogs on the Commons, the Conservators and their staff would ask all dog-walkers to show their goodwill and help them keep the Commons as clear of dog mess as possible - particularly on paths and areas of open spaces where people gather.

Dog walking and Bye-laws

2006-05-12T16:04:00.000+01:00

Wandsworth Council are, from the 1st July, introducing a new bye-law to restrict the number of dogs that can be walked together in their open spaces. The introduction of the law is in response to numerous complaints and petitions from residents and park users with concerns over safety, both towards humans and other dogs, dog fouling not being picked up, and intimidation, albeit unintentional.

Some people have assumed that this new bye-law also applies to Putney Heath, Putney Lower Common and the small part of Wimbledon Common that falls into Wandsworth Borough. This is not the case. The Conservators already have their own bye-law in place covering these areas which restricts dog-walkers (both professional and private) to a maximum of 4 dogs, or a maximum of 6 dogs with a licence issued by the Ranger's Office. This bye-law was brought in some years ago to help curb the professional dog-walkers, who were single-handedly walking up to 20 dogs or more at a time, and with very little understanding of how dogs' behaviour can change when they are in a pack situation.

The number of licences that can be issued each year is restricted and there is a waiting list for new licences. However, any Commons levy-payer wishing to have a licence to walk more than 4 dogs can be issued one on request and with proof that they are a levy-payer.

Payback

2006-04-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

A Government sponsored initiative "Community Payback" has been launched involving the National Probation Service.

Unpaid Work - or Community Service as it was once known - has been in operation for over 30 years and is one of probation's most successful interventions. Offenders are sentenced by the courts to perform up to 300 hours of Unpaid Work for the benefit of the community. A sentence of Unpaid Work is often ordered by magistrates for offences such as anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti.

Community Payback is an initiative to involve the public in the selection of Unpaid Work projects which allows the Probabtion service, Metropolitan Police and local authorities to use the Communty Punishment Offenders in a scheme called "Payback". This involves working in the community to improve conditions and public safety.

A group of offenders have been carrying out their "Payback" work on Putney Heath, helping to open up some areas of dense scrub and undergrowth to keep the pathways clear and improve visibility which will help to keep the area safe for regular Commons users.

Retirement of Conservators

2006-04-06T15:28:00.000+01:00

Farewell to Two Long-Serving Commons Conservators

At the March Board meeting of the Wimbledon & Putney Commons Conservators the Chairman, David Devons, expressed his sadness at the retirement on 5 April of two of the elected Conservators, Elizabeth Witts and Tony Drakeford.

The Chairman commented, “Elizabeth Witts has been a Conservator for 27 years, and has been Chairman for eight years, made up of two periods of five and three years, respectively. She has an enormous experience and knowledge of the working of the Commons, which has been of immense value to the Board. Her determination, perseverance and sound judgment has constantly kept the Conservators on the right course. She has frequently brought the Conservators down to earth by asking whether a considered course of action was “good for the Commons”. This has earned her the epithet “the conscience of the Commons”. As Elizabeth will not be moving out of the area, I am sure that the Office and the Board will continue to receive her comments and advice!”

“Tony Drakeford has been a Conservator for 12 years and Vice-Chairman since 1997. Before I became a Conservator, also in 1994, I had known of Tony simply as “the butterfly man”. This description was clearly incomplete because Tony is just as knowledgeable on birds, insects, fish, trees and plants; if it moves or grows, Tony knows all about it. He is also well-known for his frequent public walks on the Commons, which are both informative and amusing. Even if Tony does move to Kingston, I hope he will still keep an eye on the Commons.”

National Schoolboys Rugby 7s

2006-03-24T11:48:00.000Z

The Conservators were honoured to once again play host to the National Schools Sevens Tournament this year. The Tournament began in 1939 and has been played at the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields for the last 30 years. In previous years the games have been split between the REMPF and adjoining Merton Playing Fields. This year, for the first time, we hosted all the matches at REMPF.

16 public schools founded the original Sevens Tournament but such was the popularity of the event that it soon spread to the massive event it is today, with some 7,000 schoolboys and girls from grammar, comprehensive and preparatory schools also participating. The Tournament also has an internation feel to it with many of the UK schools playing host to teams from South Africa, Eastern Europe, Hungary, Switzerland and Kiev.

Many famous names began their illustrious carreers playing in the tournament, including Gareth Edwards, Rob Andrew, Rory Underwood, Lawrence Dallaglio, Phil de Glanville, Tim Rodber, Neil Back, Rob Wainwright, Craig Quinnell and Matt Dawson.

We wish all the teams taking part in today's finals the best of luck!

Cyclists V Dog Walkers

2006-03-08T10:31:00.000Z

We often get calls in the Ranger's Office from dog walkers complaining about cyclists cycling too fast, where they shouldn't be or not showing any consideration for walkers.

We also get calls, albeit not so often, from cyclists complaining that dog walkers are not showing them any consideration and letting their dogs run around the cyclist or even, on occasions, attack the cyclists.

The Common is for everyone and the Conservators have to balance the very diverse needs of all the Commons users. No one group is favoured and we try to do the best we can for everyone but that does take a little co-operation and understanding from all the groups of people using the Commons.

So, cyclists, please stick to the cycle paths and show consideration for other Commons users.

And dog walkers...you are lucky in that you can walk pretty much where you like on the Common but that means you will cross paths with all the other Commons users and you will have to show a greater degree of consideration to them. A few rules of thumb for dog walkers:

Be aware that other users of the Commons may not appreciate your dog bounding up to them, barking and jumping all over them, especially young children, the elderly and cyclists. If your dog is excitable and exuberant, please keep him/her in your sight and under control at all times. And just because a cyclist may not be where they should be doesn't mean that you can completely ignore them and let your dog bother them.

If your dog is pestering other Commons users, call your dog back to you immediately.

If you drive to the Commons and park in one of the car parks, please try to clear up after your dogs and dispose of the waste in the dog-waste bins around the car park areas. The areas around the car parks are particularly prone to being minefields and don't smell very pleasant in the summer!

If you walk your dogs at the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields....remember that children play rugby and football here so clear up your dogs' waste and take it home with you.

Don’t let your dog yap/bark for long periods – it really can spoil other people’s enjoyment of the Commons.

Join a dog training class if you have a young, "difficult" or maybe a rescue dog. You will enjoy your dog’s company more if you are confident that it he or she is obedient.

Please help us to keep the Commons a pleasant place for all of those that choose to use it.

Clearance at Putney Lower Common

2006-03-01T09:57:00.000Z

We are currently carrying out some clearance work at Putney Lower Common. Our Maintenance staff are removing some sycamores that have been affected by Sooty Bark Disease, a fungal infection. They are also clearing some of the bramble undergrowth in some areas to open up some pathways and improve visibility which will help to keep the area safe for regular Commons users.

Controlled Burning

2006-02-28T16:50:00.000Z

On Monday afternoon we had many concerned members of the public calling in to report a fire on the Common. Indeed, a very concerned member of the public called the fire brigade and two engines turned up to put out the blaze!

The fire was actually started deliberately by our staff and this is a comment from Dave Haldane, our Wildlife Liaison Officer, explaining why:

"In accordance with best practice for heath and acid grassland management, selected areas of Wimbledon and Putney Commons receive an annual controlled burn. This is carried out between November and early March. The fire is designed to burn off accumulated plant litter thereby reducing nutrient availability that would otherwise increase soil fertility, something that you don't want for acid grassland. Heather, when subjected to a light burn, will successfully regenerate from its stem base and a high percentage of viable seed will germinate. Heathland and Acid grasslands are found on nutrient poor soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.3. Only small areas of heath and grassland are managed annually, using fire as a tool. This limits disturbance to soil fauna dependent on the presence of moisture and plant litter."

We had advised the Fire Brigade before we lit the fires but they are, of course, duty bound to attend should they be called out. Whilst we did not need them on this occasion, we would still rather that concerned members of the public call them should they see any fires on the Common, particularly in the summer months, as an out of control fire could cause tremendous damage. We do have the capability of dealing with small fires ourselves so a call to the Ranger's Office to let us know about a fire means we can deploy our staff immediately and that will often be enough to ensure that the fire is put out quickly and does not spread.

A sad day

2006-02-27T20:45:00.000Z

Many of the regular Commons walkers will know Bisto, the German Shepherd owned by Bill, our Senior Keeper. Many of you will also know that just over a year ago, Bisto had an operation after the vet found cancer in his nose.

Unfortunately the vet was unable to remove all the cancer and Bisto's time would be limited, perhaps a year or so. It was a true diagnosis. A few months ago the cancer returned and Bisto has been going down hill since. He seemed happy enough and he was always pleased to see everyone but over the last few weeks his condition worsened and Bill had to make the decision to end his suffering.

Bisto will be sorely missed by all the staff and all who knew him. He was Bill's constant companion and wherever Bill was, Bisto was never far from his side.

Run free Bisto

Burning on the Common

2006-02-27T13:59:00.000Z

We will be doing some burning on Wimbledon Common this afternoon in the area between the Green Ride and the Millenium Ride. The fire brigade are aware and it will all be contolled by our experienced staff.

Election Results

2006-02-20T12:26:00.000Z

The results of the Wimbledon & Putney Commons Conservators’ election have been received from the Electoral Reform Services for the election of Conservators for Wimbledon and Putney Commons .

The following five candidates were elected:

Diana de Coverly Veale
David Devons
John Horrocks
Norman Plastow MBE
Andrew Simon

There are eight Conservators, three of which are appointed by Government Departments and five are elected by the 63,000 levypayers living within ¾ mile of the Commons. We were slightly disappointed that the voting figures showed that only 21% of levypayers voted. But that was a huge improvement on three years ago when just over 10% of levypayers voted.

Election for Conservators

2006-02-20T11:12:00.000Z

Voting papers are going out this week (starting 18 January) to the 62,000 levypayers for the election of five Conservators who will sit on the Board which owns and manages Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common. Everyone who lives within the area who pays the Commons’ levy (as part of their Council Tax) and is on the Electoral Roll can vote. It is a postal ballot organised by Electoral Reform Ballot Services. The voting area covers Putney, Roehampton, Wimbledon and a small part of Kingston . There are nine candidates for the five places to be filled. They are Diana de Coverly Veale, David Devons, Elaine Fletcher, John Rice and John Weir from Putney; John Horrocks from Roehampton, and Dr Stephen Frank, Norman Plastow and Andrew Simon from Wimbledon. Three of the candidates are existing Conservators and six are hoping to be elected for the first time.

The voting form needs to be returned to Electoral Reform Ballot Services to arrive by 15 February. Biographical details of the candidates can be found here

Please note that the forms are sent out to all those on the Electoral Register as at June 2005. If you do not receive your voting papers within the next few days, please call the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655.

We appreciate that the Electoral Register will have changed since June 2005 and that some people will receive forms for people no longer at that address or won't receive forms if they have recently moved to an address. We apologise for this but the timing of the election is such that we cannot wait for the up-dated Electoral Register from December. The Ranger's Office cannot help with any changes to the Electoral Register, for that you should contact your local Council: Wandsworth, Merton or Kingston

Lost a Dog?

2006-01-05T21:30:00.000Z

Today we had a Golden Retriever handed in to the Ranger's Office. The poor boy had been wandering the Common all morning until a kind member of the public brought him in to us. He had no tag and so no visible means of us being able to identify him and return him safely to his owners. Unfortunately we do not have the facility to scan dogs for microchips here.

He has now been taken to Stone Lion vets who have scanned him and will hopefully be able to reunite him with his owners.

Did you know that it is illegal for your dog not to have any visible means of owner idenitifcation? You can be liable to a fine of up to £5,000. It doesn't take much time and nor is it very expensive to get a tag for your pet and have it engraved with your phone number, and it can save a lot of worry.

Please, get your dog tagged.

Sky High!

2005-12-05T21:30:00.000Z

As promised, here are some of the great photographs taken for us whilst the film unit's crane was on site!

What's Going On!?

2005-11-30T22:39:00.000Z

If you’ve paid a visit to the Windmill Car Park today you will have noticed that we have a film crew on site. You might also have noticed the extremely large crane parked on the Triangle, just outside the horse paddock. Let’s face it, it would have been difficult to miss! Wall to Wall Productions have been here filming an episode of “New Tricks” which stars Amanda Redman, James Bolam, Dennis Waterman and Alun Armstrong and it was great to see James Bolam here again (he even said hello to my dog, my claim to fame for today!!). The crane supports a light which should shine down on the scene, recreating the moonlit night they want. The crew have been brilliant and were kind enough to take some aerial shots of the Windmill for us whilst the crane was up. I shall share them with you as soon as we have them!

Tree Planting

2005-11-30T21:30:00.000Z

We have recently completed our tree planting for this year which was good to get out of the way before the cold weather hit too hard.A special tree has been planted this year for one of the Conservators, Mrs Elizabeth Witts. Elizabeth has been a Conservator for over 20 years and will not be standing in the 2006 election. To mark the extraordinary contribution that Elizabeth has made to the Commons, it was decided to plant a tree at the Rushmere. It is a Golden Weeping Willow and now resides in pride of place at the side of the pond.