About the Conservators

The Mitcham Common Conservators have been managing the Common since 1891. Prior to that time there had been considerable unrest amoungst local people at level of gravel extraction and turf removal which they regarded as the plundering of the Common’s resources. At the forefront of this opposition was George Parker Bidder QC, who lobbied for the Common to be protected. Eventually this led to the Metropolitan Commons (Mitcham) Act 1891, which empowered the Conservators to manage the Common and make byelaws to protect it.

The Board of Conservators is made up of 13 members nominated by the London Boroughs of Croydon, Merton and Sutton (4 each), and the City of London Corporation.

The Conservators meet quarterly at the Mill House Ecology Centre. Meeting Agendas and Minutes are available below.

Current Conservators

London Borough of Croydon
Councillor Clare Hilley
Councillor Timothy Godfrey
Councillor Tony Harris
Mr John Cheetham 

London Borough of Merton
Councillor David Dean
Councillor Ray Tindle
Councillor Martin Whelton
Mr Paul Harper

London Borough of Sutton
Mr Richard Bailey
Councillor John Leach
Dr Derek Coleman
Ms Julia Russell

Corporation of the City of London   

Mr Douglas Mobsby MBE

Go to the Conservators Documents page