Land Management Plan
In February 2024, WPCC finalised a landmark Land Management Plan, setting out the strategy for managing the Commons over the next 10 years so that we can safeguard the rich biodiversity and unique habitats of Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath, and Putney Lower Common.
Spanning 1140 acres, these areas serve not only as cherished open spaces for local and visiting residents but also as vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of wildlife, plants, and trees. The Commons boast 900 acres designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), primarily due to the significance of their heathland and acid grassland. Moreover, they hold the designation of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), recognising its role as a habitat for the increasingly rare Stag Beetle.
The varied habitats of the Commons, including heathland, acid grassland, woodlands, riverine areas, and ponds, require specialized management to ensure their preservation. Smaller yet equally important habitats such as wayside verges, wet and boggy mires, and woodland glades also demand attention.
To address these conservation needs, WPCC's Conservation and Engagement Officer, Peter Haldane, has meticulously crafted a ten-year Land Management Plan. This proactive framework emphasizes the unique qualities of the Commons, underscores the importance of landscape preservation, and identifies vulnerable areas requiring additional protection. Importantly, the plan seeks to balance conservation efforts with the diverse needs of visitors who frequent these natural spaces.
It's a big document but over the next few months we'll break it down into sections that make it easy to dip into a section that might interest you. The plan, although finalised, is still in a draft format and will be professionally edited in due course.