Tooting & Streatham Commons and Norbury Park

Walking through some of the Common lands of south London that were held back from development when the city expanded

Sunday 11th August 2024, 1pm

Tooting Bec Common woods

Walk in August heat … South of the River Thames the buildings are dense, and green spaces seem in short supply. Nevertheless, great rhomboids of park land dot the landscape on what was common land. At the time of the mid 1800’s expansion of London, local people campaigned and paid for the land to be set aside, and ever since, governing councils and local friends groups have continued to manage the space, albeit with low funds, and it is probably that lack of budget that has given the time necessary for trees to grow.

From Balham station we take a short walk to Tooting Commons, an expanse of now quite mature trees and grassland, bisected by south-bound railway lines, not all in use. Continue through suburban London across Streatham Green, which is a shifty hollow, to the slopes of Streatham Common; it’s expansive and a glance takes in the main sweep of it, but tucked away is an intricate and delightful park called the Rookery. Pass over Norwood Grove manor lands and White House down through neglected and quiet shrubs to Norbury Park which is spacious with capacity for more splendour if the Friends of the park can bring their energies to it.

Meeting place: outside Balham station
Take the tube: Northern line
Date & time: Sunday August 11th 2024, 1 pm
Distance: 4.9 miles
End point: Norbury station
Maps: Google map, Komoot click to view
Contact: email tim.ingram-smith@virgin.net mobile: 077932 00932
Cost: £8 per adult walker PAY HERE https://paypal.me/parktopark