Frequently Asked Questions
The Commons are 1140 acres of amazing open space - an oasis in the midst of the urban sprawl of south west London and, because of our location, the Commons are often very busy, particularly on sunny weekends and holidays.
We want all our visitors to enjoy the Commons for whatever reason they are here, but to do so with a thought to fellow visitors, and to our wildlife.
There is a lot of information about the Commons on the website but this is a one-stop guide to those frequently asked questions about what you can, and what you can't, do when you visit us. We try not to put too many rules in place as we don't want to spoil your enjoyment, but for the safety of all our visitors, and the Commons, there are some do's and don'ts we would ask you to adhere to.
Where can I park?
Details on all our car parks can be found here:
Windmill, Springwell and Telegraph Car Parks
Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields
The Windmill Car Park can get extremely busy and we would ask visitors to try one of our other car parks or walk/cycle if possible.
Can I have a barbeque?
No. Most of Commons are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The former is because of the importance of our acid grassland and heathland. A stray spark can set dry grassland alight in seconds and vital habitat can be lost so quickly. In other areas, for example on Rushmere, barbeques can leave ugly burn scars on the grass. Any barbeques found by our staff will be doused with water and removed.
Does my dog have to be on a lead?
Generally no, but at certain times of the year we will ask you to keep your dog on a lead in some areas. Currently these areas are:
The Plain - from 1st March to 31st August - to encourage and protect our ground-nesting birds
Queensmere Pond (the large pond nearest the car park!) - from 1st April to 31st August dogs must be kept on a lead around the pond to protect our breeding wildfowl.
More information on this can be found here
How many dogs can I walk?
Anyone can walk up to 4 dogs on the Commons.
The Scheme that allowed a limited number of dog-walkers to walk up to 6 dogs has been rescinded.
If there are three of us walking together, can we all walk 4 dogs each? No. The Byelaw is specific that there cannot be more than 4 dogs "in any one group".
Can my dog swim in the ponds?
From 1st April to 31st August - no. This is nesting season and we ask you to keep your dogs out of the water during this time. Out of the season then, within reason, dogs are allowed in the ponds. However, some areas will be fenced off to allow the marginal areas to regrow so please do not let your dogs in these areas. Please do not allow dogs to disturb the resident wildlife at any time. If you think your dog will chase the ducks - put them on a lead.
Do I have to pick up after my dog?
Yes please. Our Byelaws require that anyone walking a dog must pick after their dog and dispose of the bag appropriately in one of the dog waste bins provided, or removed from the site. Let's be clear that "dispose of the bag appropriately" does not mean chucking it in a bush or hanging it from a tree. Why do we ask you to do this? Well, two reasons. Firstly, dog waste is unsightly and a potential health hazard. Secondly, the nature of the Commons is such that the soil quality has to be poor....this is what gives us the acid grassland for which we are designated a SSSI site. Dog faeces acts as a manure and enriches the soil, so completely changing it's nature - and could risk us losing the grassland, and our SSSI designation. It's that serious.
Are there horses on the Commons?
Yes there are. We have approximately 14 miles of horserides that horseriders must stick to. If you believe your dog will chase horses then please avoid the horse rides or keep them on a lead. Keep your dog in sight at all times.
In addition, our Keepers patrol the Commons on horseback and are not restricted to the horserides so you could come across them anywhere on the Commons.
Where can I cycle?
A copy of our cycling map can be found here. Permitted cycle paths are always marked up as such. If there isn't a sign to say you can cycle, you can't. On permitted cycling paths, pedestrians always have priority, and speed should be kept to a sensible limit where you know you can stop safely if a child or dog runs out in front of you.
Is there a children's playground?
No, the whole Commons are a playground!
Can I put up a gazebo for a party in case it rains?
Yes of course. If you are having a gathering of family or friends and need a gazebo in case it rains, that is fine, up to a size of 3m x 3m. We just ask that you let us know so we can make sure your choice of area is suitable. If you need a Gazebo for a commercial activity, please contact the Ranger's Office as formal permission is required.
Who should I contact in an emergency?
Contact the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655. We have someone at the end of the phone 24 hours a day.
Who should I contact if I have a medical emergency?
All our staff are First Aid trained and can be with you very quickly. Call the Ranger's Office on 020 8788 7655. If your emergency is life-threatening, always call 999 first and ask someone else to contact us simultaneously.
We have a defib as part of our first aid equipment but further defibs can be found in the garages next to the Ranger's Office, at the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields and at the Wimbledon Common Golf Club.
What time does the car park close?
The Windmill Car Park closing time changes throught the year but there is a large signpost at the car park entrance which clearly states the closing time.