A peaceful green space amidst a bustling London suburb. This is Cranmer Green, a hidden gem nestled right here, in Merton. Now, imagine you’re walking through its winding paths, a tranquil scene of lush, grassy knolls, and a charming pond at the heart. This pond may look like any other, but it carries with it a rich history. Cranmer Green, once part of Mitcham Common, was named after the Cranmer family. Yes, the same family that resided here from the 17th to the early 19th century. Their home stood across the road, where Wilson Hospital stands now. This pond you see, it was probably built sometime between 1717 and 1823, as a watering hole for livestock. Then there’s the abundant wildlife. Common frogs and toads call this place home. You might even spot a dragonfly or two flitting about. The surrounding grasslands, carefully nurtured, offer a terrestrial haven for these amphibians and other tiny creatures. Cranmer Green is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. It was declared so in 2003. And its existence is a testament to the power of nature to thrive even in the heart of a city. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the gentle sounds of nature and feel the tranquility of this little piece of paradise.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service