On May 16 we launched our new book ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’ with a virtual talk by the editors of the book’s five main chapters - nature, buildings, society, culture, politics. Watch here if you missed it. The book is selling well through our website and at Skylark and Neals nursery. Details how to buy here.

We scheduled several heritage talks and walks to showcase the book and the Common’s rich heritage. Philip Boys concluded his ‘Down with the Fences’ about the fight to save the Common in 1871. Sue Demont repeated her Eastside story walk along Bolingbroke Grove, but this time with a real rather than virtual audience. And as one of our contributions to the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, Stephen Midlane walked ‘Twixt the Taverns’ skirting the Common along Bellevue Road, Lyford Road and Alma Terrace, explaining the history behind some of the buildings to be found there. Julia Bott and Anne Lambert talked to the London Gardens Trust about Wandsworth Common‘s heritage and present day features which make it such an unforgettable place. That also marked the Friends’ 3rd birthday.

May saw the launch of the All Star Bowls club in collaboration with FoWC. Following the closure of the Bolingbroke Bowls Club after its centenary last year we’re keen to ensure the bowling green remains well used for what it was intended. 20 founder members of the club have since been playing on Saturday afternoons, 3-5pm. We will also schedule a weekday club day on a date to be advised. Get in touch if you’d like to have a go.

Another noteworthy event was the opening of the refurbished public toilets behind the bowling green which are now fully accessible - a very welcome improvement.

Our more traditional walks were able to resume and included several wildflower, bird, tree, and a bat walk. A woodland management session continued work to restore damage to the Scope area to support biodiversity.