What on Earth…Wildflower Planting and Heather Restoration

You have probably seen patches or scrapes of bare ground appearing on the Commons over the past few weeks. What’s going on?

The team are preparing the ground to plant new native wildflower meadows on Putney Lower Common and Putney Heath to improve biodiversity, while an area of bare ground has been created close to the edge of Hope Grant Fairway (between Sunset Road and Camp Road).

Removing the top layer of soil ensure that the seeds can be directly sown into the soil and can receive light.

Yellow rattle has been planted on the Putney Heath fairground meadow and Crossroads Meadow has been planted with a mix of wildflower plants and seeds by pupils of Wimbledon High and Granard’s Primary School, thanks to funds raised by Wimbledon High girls.

The wildflower seed mix has been sourced from British wild stock and contains around 25 different native species. The meadows should flower between May and Spetember, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as adding colour to the Commons.

Meanwhile, heather is being cut by our maintenance team and is being spread, along with heather seed across the Hope Grant Fairway where it will germinate.