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.
Mitcham Common Byelaws
The are certain rules that govern what can and can not be done on Mitcham Common, which are enforced by legislation and the police. The byelaws were originally formulated by the Conservators in December 1891, and then updated in 1995. For a full comprehensive list of the byelaws, contact the Warden’s office. Here follows a shortened version of the byelaws:
Trading
Nobody can trade on the Common
Camping
No camping is allowed
Erection of structures
No building or fencing etc is allowed
Wildlife protection
The intentional hunting, injuring or killing of any animal is prohibited
Cattle etc
Any grazing animal is not allowed on the Common
Removal of substances
Nothing can be removed and no digging is allowed, for example digging when using a metal detector is prohibited
Fires
No fires are allowed
Protection of ground
Areas of ground set aside for recovery with a notice, will not be encroached upon
Removal of structures
All structures such as barriers, fences, posts and seats shall not be removed
Vehicles
No vehicles are not allowed on the common without the consent of the Conservators. This includes cars, motorbikes and bicycles
Horse-riding
Horse-riding is restricted to bridleways
Golf
Golf is restricted to the golf course only
Model aircraft
No model aircraft are allowed
Removal of people
Disorderly people may be removed from the Common by staff and Police
Penalty
Any body who refuses to obey the byelaws is liable to a fine
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