The Conservators Annual Open Meeting takes place this evening (Monday 21st June 2010) at 8pm at The Cornerstone, Alton Road Roehampton SW15 4LG
Monday, June 21, 2010
Conservators' Annual Open Meeting
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Travellers at Putney Lower Common
We are pleased to report that the travellers on Putney Lower Common have now left the Common.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gypsies on Putney Lower Common
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
Measures are in hand to have the family removed, however, there is a legal process that has to be followed
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Litter litter everywhere.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Fires on the Commons
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Commons Newsletter - May 2010
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
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Commons Newsletter
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
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Results of Conservators' election
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.
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
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.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
DANGER! THIN ICE!!
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.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tia, a Jack Russell puppy is missing. Have you seen her?
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.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Water Trough
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wimbledon & Putney Commons Open Day! Sunday 13th July
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:
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!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Caterpillars
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
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.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Grass Cutting on the Plain
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
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
Monday, May 12, 2008
Barbeques are not permitted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons.
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!
"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!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Do you have a Christmas Card photograph?
Do you have any photographs of the Common during the recent snow that might be suitable as a Christmas card?
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
Please include your name, address and a contact phone number with your submission.
*subject to the copyright of the image being assigned to the Conservators.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New Reed Bed established on the Kingsmere pond
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 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.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
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