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Merton/Sutton/Croydon – TQ 290 690 – 182 ha Tel: 020 8288 0453

Mitcham Common is one of the most varied and interesting areas of open space in south London. Several miles of made and unmade paths lead the visitor beside ponds and through a range of habitats including extensive tracts of acid and neutral grassland, heathland parcels and secondary woodland areas. The rich flora of the damp areas contrasts with the interesting acid grassland communities. Apart from heather, uncommon London plants include dwarf gorse, harebell and petty whin and the Common is particularly important for its invertebrate species.

A Board of Conservators, first established to protect the Common from uncontrolled grazing and gravel extraction in the 19th Century continues to oversee management today.

Although the pockets of heathland on the Common are relatively small, ongoing restoration work has focused on controlling scrub encroachment, and expansion of the heathland areas. The Mill House Ecology Centre offers information about the Common’s management and its history.

Getting there