Photographs │ Wimbledon Common

About the images

I am very fortunate to live close to Wimbledon Common. Officially it is Wimbledon and Putney Commons comprising Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath, and Putney Lower Common. Putney Lower Common is some distance away, but I refer to the continguous Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath as Wimbledon Common for convenience, though a lot of images on this site are actually from Putney Heath. I can go for a walk on a whim. Most of the time, I take my smartphone with me which doubles as a camera, and sometimes a proper camera.

While there is constant humming noise from the A3 and aeroplanes approaching Heathrow in parts of the area, Wimbledon Common is a relaxing place, though rarely empty as walkers, joggers, dog-walkers, bikers, and horse-riders make use of the space. It does feel very much like a common that belongs to all. There is a lot of wildlife and plants found in Wimbledon Common, though I am yet to wintess a Womble or a badger, and the varying landscapes from rather boggy heaths to ponds to mounds to wide open spaces mean there are always little discoveries. Heaths, gorse, and various trees are the main things that I take photographs of and throughout the year.

There is a windmill and a cafe in the centre of Wimbledon Common, and upmarket Wimbledon Village is nearby. There is no train or London Undergound station right next to Wimbledon Common, and walking from stations such as Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park, Southfields, Putney, or East Putney involves an uphill walk. Probably the most convenient way to reach the windmill in Wimbledon Common by public transport is to take the 93 bus from Putney Bridge, Putney (towards North Cheam), or Wimbledon (towards Putney Bridge), and alight at Queensmere Road. Putney Heath in particular can be quite boggy and muddy, even after a small amount of rain. The main paths are normally passable, but after wet weather, wellies will be needed to walk on minor paths.