Videos
All our talks are now filmed, with grateful thanks to our camera and sound man John Crossland
MOTHS OF SOUTH WEST LONDON
4/2024 - An introduction to the moth species likely to be encountered on Wandsworth Common and more broadly, by Les Evans-Hill of Butterfly Conservation and Richard Tillett, moth recorder for the Common. Moths are a key indicator species for environmental health and are in decline. Why? What can we do about it? Unless we know what we have already, we can’t conserve them. So observation and recording is critical. Moths are also a key food source and - often forgotten -pollinators. Armed with the starter information in this talk, you can take a closer look at what is flying tonight. And you might join us for one of our ‘Moth Mornings’ later in the year to investigate what has appeared in our moth trap overnight.
THE LOST HOUSES OF WANDSWORTH COMMON - Part II: Bolingbroke Grove
4/2024 - Mark Luboff, Sarah Vey and Henrietta Gentilli present the latest in our series of Lost Houses talks, recounting the history and location of these five “genteel modern built brick houses which overlooked the Common”. Learn where they used to be, what is left of them, the owners and the “upstairs/downstairs” occupants and hear about the landscape and environs of these “country” estates.
Not to be missed, especially if you live on Bolingbroke Grove or ‘twixt the Commons’
This series of talks presents research by volunteers into the many grand houses that once surrounded the Common but which are now mostly gone.
WILD SPACES - making room for nature
3/2024 - Simon Saville, Chair of SW London Butterfly Conservation and a Ranger for London National Park City, explains how we can all improve biodiversity in London. He will outline a Landscape Plan for Inner London and showcase Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces campaign (https://wild-spaces.co.uk/). By creating places - large and small - where wildlife can feed, breed and shelter, especially in your garden or window box, we can help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and make a real difference to our immediate neighbourhood.
THE MYTHS & MAGIC OF MOVEMENT & MOBILITY: PART 1
2/2024 - The first of a two part talk by Julia Bott, Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, about the benefits of exercise, why it is so important for us and why it’s never too late to start. The more the better. A definite must see. By popular request there will be a follow up talk on how best to exercise. Julia was instrumental in encouraging the Over 60s Fitness classes on the Common run by Open Air Fit that are so popular.
Edward & Helen thomas on Wandsworth Common
2/2024 - A talk by Philip Boys, sub-titled Childhood, adolescence and early adulthood in late Victorian and Edwardian south London.
Edward Thomas, the Great War poet who died at Arras in 1917, moved to Wakehurst Road in 1880 (when he was two). He went on to live in several homes in the area (Shelgate Road, Rusham Road) and study at several schools in the area, including Belleville.
His wife, Helen Noble, who arrived in her early teens and attended Wimbledon High School, lived on St. Ann's Hill and then Patten Road.
Both Edward and Helen wrote memoirs, containing remarkable - often astonishing and sometimes disturbing - details of their lives on and around the Common, 1880-1902.
The talk brings a fascinating insight into the lives of this local couple.
Another Carve Up, or How Wandsworth Common was Reshaped by the Railways
1/2024 - Dr Sue Demont presents an updated talk about the coming of the railways in the 1830s: Why across Wandsworth Common and not Clapham Common? Why so many poorly named and located stations? Which Sherlock Holmes story features a ride across the Common? All this and more in Sue’s wonderfully researched and illustrated talk.
AT THE START OF THE FILM, David Cooper SPEAKS ABOUT his Wandle Valley Railway, AS IT runs in the background.
Biodiversity Monitoring & Tree & Woodland delivery FRAMEWORK
1/2024 - At its most recent meeting, members of the MAC (Management Advisory Committee) heard two presentations from Enable’s biodiversity team. The first explains the efforts to encourage local volunteers to become involved in ‘citizen science’ projects, notably wildlife recording and monitoring. Bird and butterfly recording has taken place on the Common for many years. Last year saw the beginning of formal moth monitoring and this year will see projects to monitor hedgehog and bat activity. The Tree & Woodland Delivery Framework describes the various woodland and other habitats present across Wandsworth, and how these are being improved, increased and connected. Both are examples of the Wandsworth Biodiversity Strategy at work. Get in touch to find out more.
FESTIVE GREETINGS - sleigh ride over a snowy wandsworth common c1905
Our Christmas greeting - a compilation of images of a snowy Wandsworth Common around 1905. Put together and set to music by the many talented Philip Boys. Happy Christmas 2023
THE LOST HOUSES & GARDENS OF WANDSWORTH COMMON
12/2003 - A talk by our Heritage group about their work researching the impressive houses that surrounded the Common in the 18th and 19th centuries and the people who lived in them, including.....
Bolingbroke House - one of the 'Five Houses' on what became Bolingbroke Grove
Stanton House and Wilby Lodge - two houses that straddled the Falcon Brook on Nightingale Lane
Fernside - whose gardens once stretched between today’s Ravenslea and Endlesham Roads
Burntwood House - which occupied the area now covered by Lyford, Multon & Loxley Roads
Bramblebury House - once the southernmost house on Westside and in use as a school in the late 18th century
Mulberry Cottage - which later became divided into two houses known as ‘The Gables’ on Northside
Our most popular ever talk with an audience of over 60!!
the ROLE OF THE wandsworth tree team
11/2023 - To mark National Tree Week - the traditional start of the planting season at the end of November - members of Enable’s tree team talk about their roles, how trees are surveyed, maintained, protected and planted and the challenges they face. What can we all do to help?
Featuring Sam Morgan, Liam Hutton and Catie Ferguson, with a cameo appearance from Pat Langley
PIONEERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY ON AND AROUND WANDSWORTH COMMON, 1845-1875 - PART I
10/2023 - Philip Boys introduces us to photographers living near or visiting Wandsworth Common in the middle of the 19th century. Celebrated amateurs like Hugh Welch Diamond, Geoffrey Bevington who photographed the iconic Craig telescope, Peter Le Neve Foster, Lewis Carroll and professional photographer Henry Morris. Part 1 of 2.
PIONEERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY ON AND AROUND WANDSWORTH COMMON - PART II
10/2023 - The second instalment of our heritage talks about pioneering photographers, this time focussing on Paul Martin and Harry Dorrett, who worked together at a studio facing the Common at 16, Bellevue Road (Athol House). Martin pioneered the use of ‘snapshots’ taken with a hidden camera and images taken with very long exposures at night.
THE QUEST FOR PY BETTS - a talk ABOUT & Readings FROM the work of THIS local author
7/2023 - A sensational talk by Sue Delafons and Stephen Midlane about local author PY Betts, including readings from ‘People Who Say Goodbye’ - a memoir of her childhood near Wandsworth Common during WW1. The talk displays a huge amount of research and archive material, photos etc which bring the book and the author to life quite vividly. One of our most popular and well received talks - very well worth watching.
A PLEA TO WATER OUR TREES, AS SEEN ON BBC LONDON NEWS, JUNE 15
6/2023 - The Friends were happy to support Wandsworth Tree Wardens when they were approached by the Arboricultural Association to help get the message out to the public about the need to water newly planted trees in dry periods. Aimed mainly at street trees, some of the trees edging the Common are also within reach of a watering can, so do give them a helping hand to get established in the summer dry periods. Newly planted trees are regularly watered but those older than a year are not routinely watered. Please give them a helping hand.
COMMON MEMORIES - Life On & around Wandsworth Common, 1930s-1980s
6/2023 - Over the past year, members of the Friends of Wandsworth Common Heritage group, led by Ros Page, have interviewed lifelong residents of the Common to explore their life and experiences and how the Common used to be. The interviews were all filmed by John Crossland and the more than 20 hours of footage beautifully and sensitively edited down into this ‘charming and engaging’ film by Rosa Navas, a local film maker and Friend.
The film is interspersed with old images and film clips, bringing alive the narrative of the interviewees. The result is a fascinating insight into how life on Wandsworth Common has changed over five decades.
With special thanks to the production team led by Ros Page, including Stephen Midlane, Henrietta Gentilli, Louise Murphy, John Turner, cameraman John Crossland and editor Rosa Navas.
The film was launched on June 6 2023 in the Fiennes Theatre, Emanuel School, and special thanks are due to Lisa Irwin and the school for their very generous support.
An UNEDUCATED LADY? - MARJORY ALLEN & THE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND MOVEMENT
5/2023 - As a contribution to the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, Sue Demont explores the life and times of Lady Allen of Hurtwood (1897-1976).
Her extraordinary career spanned horticulture, nursery education, childrens’ films, children in care and, most significantly for Wandsworth, the adventure playground movement.
The Lady Allen playground for children with disabilities opened in the late 1970s off Chivalry Road, Wandsworth Common.
It’s a dog’s life
5/2023 - Everyone can see that the dog population of Wandsworth Common has increased hugely in recent years. So we’re delighted to have found local dog trainers Rebecca and Miranda who are keen to share their expeences of a life time owning and training dogs and how their approach has changed over time. Helping dogs navigate the modern world is a challenge, but their talk has something for everyone seeking to make lives easier for both humans and their dogs.
You’ll be surprised at their insights into diet, exercise, play and sleep and will come away inspired to try some of their ideas. Well worth watching, whether you’re a dog owner or not. Insightful, informative, entertaining and FUN.
Wandsworth Common in the Heritage SERVICE Archive
5/2023 - Emma Anthony, from the Wandsworth Heritage Service, describes the various collections in which Wandsworth Common features, shows us examples of the material held and tells us stories based around them.
The Wandsworth Heritage Service has been a huge help to researchers involved in writing our book ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’, researching the stories related in our forthcoming film ‘Common Memories’ and in the ongoing Lost Houses Project which researches the history of houses and buildings long since disappeared from around the Common.
Emma’s talk comes on the eve of the Wandsworth Heritage Festival which runs from May 20 to June 11
FLYGIRL RETURNS - Bums, tums & knobbly bits
4/2023 - Dr Erica McAlister returns to Wandsworth Common with a new talk to share her passion about this neglected but crucial group of pollinators and waste disposers. Flies - where would we be without them?
The Natural History Museum’s Senior Curator for Diptera (flies) returns after 4 years (and two more books) to enthrall us about a subject we’d sometimes prefer not to think about. Informative, engaging and FUNNY!! Not to be missed.
Swift project
3/2023 - Swifts are on the red list so we invited Pat Gross, Chair of Friends of Wandsworth Park, to describe how they came to put up 100 swift nesting boxes around Wandsworth Park and were rewarded with several nesting pairs in the summer of 2021 and 2022.
Swifts like to nest near other swifts, so if you know of sites where swifts nest around Wandsworth Common, let us know, and we’ll try to get others to put up a swift box.
AGM 2023
3/2023 - Find out what we, and you, have been doing over the past year. An entertaining run through all our varied activities - nature focussed walks and talks, tree and other planting, litter picking, swan and duck food bagging and other volunteering, outdoor fitness, our numerous heritage activities, a reminder of our mission statement, an update on our membership - now over 700 - our links with other groups and types of engagement, and a look ahead to the coming year.
Watch out for our new tree and heritage trails, updated butterfly leaflet and the premiere of our heritage film on June 6th.
the secret life of wild bees
2/2023 - A talk by amateur naturalist and Friend, Ben Smith. Ben took the opportunity of lockdown, while home schooling the kids, to rekindle a childhood fondness for nature and become something of an expert on the wild bees to found in your back garden and on the Common. Most bee talk focusses on bumble bees but, not only are there now arguably too many of them, the often neglected wild and solitary bees are much more valuable, being much better pollinators for one thing. Ben also gives tips on what to grow to attract wild bees to your garden throughout the season.
Tales from the Fitzhugh estate
2/2023 - Sharon O’Neill gives a face to face reprise of her lockdown talk about the history of this listed block of flats built in the 1950s and designed by John Leslie Martin, principal architect of the Royal Festival Hall. Sharon has updated the talk and included stories about the residents and their experiences in this iconic accommodation. Supported by Karly Olsen-Haveland, chair of the residents association.
BIODIVERSITY IN WANDSWORTH
2/2023 - Two years after Wandsworth's Biodiversity Strategy was approved, hear from Annabel Osborn, Enable's Parks Operations Manager, about what biodiversity is, what has been done to improve it, the challenges faced by the biodiversity team and what to expect as biodiversity action plans are implemented. Annabel will reference several sites in the borough but will pay particular attention to Wandsworth Common. A 45 min talk followed by Q&A
TURF WARS Part II
1/2023 - Philip Boys - How sport transformed Wandsworth Common: The conclusion of Philip’s November talk. More fascinating stories of the huge variety of sports played on the Common in the 1800s, including hopping, pedestrianism, velocipede racing, hare and hounds running, trotting races along Trinity Road, even a stag hunt. The photo is an aerial view of Bellevue Field, taken during the 2022 drought, showing decades old football pitch markings and the boundary of Earl Spencer’s cricket field.
TURF WARS Part I
11/2022 - Philip Boys - How sport transformed Wandsworth Common: Fascinating stories of the huge variety of sports played on the Common in the 1800s, including hopping, pedestrianism, velocipede racing, hare and hounds running, trotting races along Trinity Road, even a stag hunt. More to come in 2023!
ANOTHER CARVE UP
11/2022 - Dr Sue Demont - The coming of the railways in the 1830s: Why across Wandsworth Common and not Clapham Common? Why so many poorly named and located stations? Which Sherlock Holmes story features a ride across the Common? All this and more in Sue’s wonderfully researched and illustrated talk.
THE BLACK SEA
10/2022 - Philip Boys - A long forgotten gem on Wandsworth Common: Once described as ‘one of the most picturesque and ornamental waters near London’, fed by the still existing windmill, but sadly filled in by Earl Spencer to build what is now Spencer Park, a quid pro quo for the Earl ceding his land rights to the Common in 1871. Fishing, swimming, murder and more…
JOYFUL ENVIRONMENTALIST
10/2022 - Isabel Losada - local author, comedienne and environmentalist, on ‘How to Practice Without Preaching’: A contribution to this year’s Big Green Week. Learn all the practical little things you can do to the save the planet and ENJOY them. Change your bank, your energy supplier, your food supplier, your car!! Lots more in this entertaining video.
A HISTORY OF TRINITY FIELDS
06/2022 Graham Jackson describes the rich history of this former corner of the Common, protected by covenant since 1852 and used for sport since 1877. A synopsis of his recently published book, the talk explores the famous clubs and personalities who have used the ground and its social history and future
MAPS & THE MAKING OF WANDSWORTH COMMON
04/2022 - Philip Boys: The centre section of our book ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’ features six maps spanning the period 1746 to 1905, showing how land use has changed over time. Philip’s talk brings these changes to life - the building of the Toast Rack, the coming of the railways, Emanuel School and the RVPB - based on the stories behind the events.
THOMAS HARDY
04/2022 - Ros Page - Hardy and the Common. Hardy and his wife Emma lived on what is now Trinity Road between 1878-1881. Ros describes his life there, during which he published his only historical novel.
WANDSWORTH’S TREES
04/2022 - A racy description by two of Enable’s tree officers - Sam and Liam - of how Enable select, plant, survey and maintain the borough’s over 60,000 trees, including the ones planted with the help of donations to the 150th Anniversary Wandsworth Common appeal starting in 2021
A Magical Mystery Tour
01/2022 - Philip Boys: Philip contends that any event in the world is linked to Wandsworth Common by no more than six steps. In this talks, he begins with a mystery letter written near the Common and ends in deepest, darkest Africa with Dr Livingstone and, more importantly, Mr Stanley.
Your Climate Questions Answered
11/21 - Sally Uren, CEO of Forum for the Future, speaks to us direct from COP 26 in Glasgow with answers to your questions on what governments, businesses, individuals and WE all need to do, NOW, to alleviate the climate crisis!
FRIENDS AGM
11/21 - Join the Co-chairs and Committee members for a review of the year’s events and achievements. Not the usual boring old AGM either.
BOOK LAUNCH MAY 17
5/2021 Hear the editors of ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’ describe the Introduction and 5 chapters about Nature, Buildings, Society, Culture and Politics. A taster of 192 pages of tales about people, places and the changes the Common has seen over the centuries. A must read!
READ ALL ABOUT IT
4/2021 The Common’s rich and varied literary heritage, by Ros Page, editor of the Culture chapter of ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’ published in May. The authors, poets and artists associated with the Common, from Francis Grose to Graham Swift
DOWN WITH THE FENCES PART II
5/2021 The second part of Philip Boys’tale about the suburban warfare and riots culminating in the Wandsworth Common Act of 1871
Down with the Fences
3/2021 The first part of the story about the fight to save Wandsworth Common in 1871. By local historian Philip Boys. A sequel to his earlier talk ‘What a Carve up’. March 2021
East Side Story
3/2021 A virtual walk along Bolingbroke Grove taking in some of its wealth of heritage features ‘from the cradle to the grave’. By Dr Sue Demont, FoWC Heritage Group Editorial Board. March 2021
BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY
3/2021 Valerie Selby, Parks Development and Biodiversity Manager for Enable LC, discusses Wandsworth’s new biodiversity strategy and what it means for the Common & other Wandsworth green spaces
WaterWorld
3/2021 Why is the Common so wet? An exploration of the Common’s geology, featuring the history of its ponds, lakes and puddles by Philip Boys
150th Anniversary Tree Planting
3/2021 A Q&A about our 150th anniversary tree planting with Enable’s Annabel Osborn and Pat Langley.
Common & Garden Birds
1/2021 What to look out for in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, with local ornithologist Nick Rutter. Residents, migrants and oddities just passing through.
WHAT A CARVE UP
1/2021 An explanation of the 1800s butchering of Wandsworth Common which halved its size and lead to hte campaign to save the Common from further encroachment in 1871. By local historian Philip Boys
Butterflies of Wandsworth Common
7/2020 A prelude to August’s Big Butterfly Count, with pointers about what to look out for on the Common. By Simon Saville, Chair of Surrey & SW London Butterfly Conservation
The Environment & THE COMMON
6/2020 The impact of lockdown on the environment, both globally and on the Common. By Sally Uren, CEO of Forum for the Future and a local resident
DOGS IN THE LAKE
3/2020 A short explanation by Annabel Osborne, Parks Biodiversity Officer for Enable LC, about the importance of keeping dogs out of the lake
BIODIVERSITY Q&A
3/2020 Everything you ever wanted to know about biodiversity, why it matters, and what is being done to increase it on Wandsworth Common
LOVE YOUR COMMON
2/2019 A talk to the Wandsworth Society about the formation of the Friends, its objectives, early months and future plans
A TREE WALK OF THE COMMON
11/2018 An autumn tree walk and interview with Enable’s arboriculture officers.