Once enclosed from the 15th century, Putney Lower Common has a fascinating past. This open parkland in Wandsworth is more than just a green space. It’s a place with a story etched into its very soil.
Putney Lower Common sits between Putney and Barnes. It forms part of Wimbledon and Putney Commons. Imagine this land in 1871. The Spencer family entrusted it to the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators. They manage it to this day.
Today Putney Lower Common covers 13.22 hectares. It borders Barn Elms and Beverley Brook to the north. Residential areas lie to the west and Lower Common South Road to the south. Barnes Common sits to the west. Lower Richmond Road and Queen’s Ride cut across the common.
The Oasis Academy Putney primary school sits on the common’s east side. It stands where Putney Hospital once did. Building the school meant losing some common land. A new access road was built.
The Spencer pub stands on the south side of Lower Richmond Road. It often uses the common for seating in summer. All Saints is a Grade II listed church on the southeast corner. Its churchyard features windows by William Morris.
Transport for London’s number 22 bus ends its route at Putney Lower Common. Buses park between the Spencer pub and All Saints church. They get maintenance at the nearby Putney bus garage on Chelverton Road.
Putney Lower Common Cemetery lies on the west side along Lower Richmond Road. It borders Barnes Common. Many notable graves can be found here. Funfairs and circuses often visit Putney Lower Common. They come during bank holidays and late summer.
Wildlife thrives on Putney Lower Common. It is mainly neutral grassland. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. Within Wandsworth, it is a site of borough importance.
Putney Lower Common is part of a wider habitat network. This includes the WWT London Wetland Centre and Barnes Common. The Putney Park Lane wildlife corridor connects it to Putney Heath. It extends to Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.
In 2019, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species found a hedgehog hotspot here. Greenspace Information for Greater London has recorded stag beetles on the common. Hobbies, kestrels and kingfishers also call it home.
Invasive species pose a challenge. Oak Processionary moths were first seen in 2011. The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators control them. They use surveys, caterpillar removal and Bacillus thuringiensis. Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam have also been removed.
Putney Lower Common has regularly won the London in Bloom gold award. It wins in the Common of the Year category. This is thanks to its management practices.
Putney Cricket Club has a cricket pitch on the south side. This lies between Queens Ride and Lower Common South. A walking trail covers Putney Lower Common and Barnes Common. It spans 3.4km. The Putney Town Bowling Club has a bowling green and clubhouse. It’s located on the west side near Oasis Academy.
Jilly Cooper’s book The Common Years is set near the Common. It’s a diary about her life.
Parking is available on Mill Hill Road by the cemetery. Buses 22, 265 and 284 stop at Commondale on Lower Richmond Road. Barnes railway station is a 10-minute walk away. So, whether you’re here for sports, nature, or just a stroll, Putney Lower Common offers a slice of London life. Its blend of history and nature makes it a special place.