About Mitcham Common

About Mitcham Common

Mill House Ecology Centre is often used as a meeting place for various groups with an interest in the Common, and as a classroom for local school children who often have activities based on the common.

Ownership

The Common is regulated and administered by the Mitcham Common Conservators. The London Borough of Merton acts as the Conservators agent, and as such implement the management policies agreed by the Board of Conservators. In addition the ‘Friends of Mitcham Common’ (formerly Mitcham Common Preservation Society), provide support to the Conservators and develop interest from the local people concerned with the wildlife, habitat and amenity value of the Common.

Funding

The management and maintenance of the Common is resourced by annual financial contributions from the London Boroughs of Croydon, Merton and Sutton, and by income from investments, way leaves and facilities.

Habitats

Habitats on the Common include tracts of secondary woodland, scrub, a number of seasonal ponds and three main ponds, wetlands and most importantly acid grassland and heathland. The acid grassland and heathland areas of the Common are given priority status because nationally, these habitat types are becoming increasingly scarce and fragmented, succumbing to scrub, woodland, development and agriculture.

Ponds

Of the many ponds on the Common, there are three larger ones that attract the most visitors. These are, Seven Island, One Island and Bidder’s ponds. All of these ponds support an array of vegetation and wildlife. These include the locally rare Bog Bean and the usual birds, but notably the odd Kingfisher has been spotted swooping over the ponds. Fish stocks in the ponds are managed at a reduced level, which aids the populations of amphibians, invertebrates and other animals.

Staff

There are four full-time staff who manage the Common: The Warden, Assistant Warden and 2 Estate Workers. The staff are employed by the London Borough of Merton. The Conservators also employ a part time Clerk.

The staff are based in the Mill House Ecology Centre on Windmill Road. This building erected in 1995 is also used for meeting of various groups with an interest in the Common, and as a classroom for local school children who often have activities based on the common.