Clapham Common
Clapham Common is one of London's largest open spaces situated between Clapham, Battersea and Balham.
It was historically 'common land' for the parishes of Battersea and Clapham and was first mentioned as far back as 1086 in the famous 'Domesday Book' as being part of the Manor of Clapham. In 1877 it was acquired from the Lords of the Manors by the Metropolitan Board of Works and was protected for present and future generations.
Clapham Common contains three ponds which evolved from old gravel pits, and an all weather games area, tennis courts, bowling green, skate park and pitches, as well as two playgrounds areas for children and families. The common also has a historic bandstand, three cafes and ecological areas, including woodland and meadow grasslands, which are managed for wildlife as well as for the public to enjoy.
Around 108 acres of Clapham Common is within the London Borough of Wandsworth, but the common has been wholly managed and maintained by Lambeth Council since 1972.
Address: Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE
Tube: Clapham Common/Clapham South (Northern Line)
Bus: 4, 35, 37, 88, 137, 155, 255, 345, 355, 417, G1
Location map for Clapham Common.
Facilities
Clapham Common Bandstand
Clapham Common bandstand is the oldest and largest surviving bandstand in Greater London.
Clapham residents petitioned the London County Council for a bandstand in 1889, and the result was a copy of the two bandstands built in 1861 in the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens in South Kensington. It proved a great attraction for concerts held on Wednesday afternoons and Sundays. In 2003, Lambeth Council participated in a major fundraising and restoration project of the bandstand; following recent improvements to the apron of the bandstand, including installation of granite setts, it has now been restored to its former glory. The bandstand was formally rededicated and opened following these recent changes in October 2011.
Clapham Common skatepark
The newly refurbished Clapham Common skatepark is now open for use.
The skatepark was completed thanks to a London Marathon Trust grant of £75,000 and the Safer Lambeth Partnerships' Tasking and Coordinating Group made a generous contribution of £21,417. In addition, the Council successfully negotiated £67,000 of Section 106 money towards the redevelopment located alongside Rookery Road.
The project has a dedicated Facebook page which encourages users feedback.
Clapham Common contains three ponds which are managed with and on behalf of the community for coarse fishing, model boating and wildlife.
Additional information on how you can use and help us look after these ponds, as well as their history, can be found on the Clapham Common Ponds page.
Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee
The Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee (CCMAC) is a partnership of residents, councillors and council officers working together to benefit Clapham Common. CCMAC facilitates consultation with the local community and user groups on decisions regarding the Common, acts as the key consultative body on all matters relating to and/or affecting the Common's management, and promotes effective maintenance or improvement with particular attention being paid to historic and landscape features.
To find out more about CCMAC or to join, and help make a difference to Clapham Common, please contact the Chair on 07985 735965 or ccmac.1226@yahoo.com.
Friends of Clapham Common
The Friends of Clapham Common represent those who live around and use the Common, playing an important role in its management and development for present and future generations. The Friends organise regular meetings, events and activities within the Common and publish newsletters about Clapham Common and the local area.
To join or find out more about their work, go to the Friends of Clapham Common website or telephone 0207 649 5672.
Help us look after Clapham Common
Clapham Common is managed by Lambeth Parks and Greenspaces and has its own dedicated parks manager. It is also patrolled by Lambeth and Wandsworth Police, who work in partnership with Lambeth Council and local stakeholders to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Clapham Common welcomes responsible dog walkers, but there are certain dog-free areas, such as the playgrounds and ponds. This is for the comfort and safety of children and their carers, and also helps to protect local wildlife. Please keep dogs out of these particular locations, and of course always clean up after your dog elsewhere.
For more information on Clapham Common and how to help us keep it clean, green and safe please contact us on 0207 926 9000 or email us at parks@lambeth.gov.uk.
Further information