Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

An outlying part of Mitcham Common within the London Borough of Sutton, this interesting site has a wide variety of habitats, the major part consisting of neutral grassland, which although it contains abundant rye-grass (Lolium perenne), includes many other common species. The area of acid grassland in the eastern part of the site is of greater interest and has sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella), squirreltail fescue (Vulpia bromoides), buck's-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus) and mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum). The site has two water features, a straight concrete channel bringing water from Beddington Sewage Works, and a ditch (formerly a branch of the River Wandle) from where a variety of associated plants have been recorded, including celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), fool's watercress (Apium nodiflorum), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), amphibious bistort (Persicaria amphibia) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata). An area of planted scrub, which is dense in places, and tall herbs adjoins the ditch with willows (Salix spp), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and dogwood (Cornus sanguinea). Mature trees are scattered over much of the site.

Facilities

No information available