Streatham Common

A large Metropolitan Common comprising a mixture of amenity and meadow grasslands, with extensive areas of deciduous woodland at the top of the hill., which is dominated by English Oak with occasional stands of Ash, Lime and English Elm. The upper Common wraps around the Rookery, an attractive formal garden with toilets and a café, which is also important for wildlife. Both the Common and Rookery were once part of the 'Great North Wood', which once cloaked a large part of South London. Over 60% of the Common, including its woodlands and its remnant area of both acid and neutral meadow grassland, are designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This declaration, first made in 2015, is in recognition of its importance for both biodiversity and for people's access to and enjoyment of nature on their doorstep. The woodlands actually feel like a proper wood with a life of their own, combined with marvellous views across South London.