Streatham Common
Streatham Common is a large open space at the southern tip of Lambeth. It offers amazing views and has areas of woodland, grassland, wild flower meadows and a picnic area. It also contains The Rookery, a small and enchanting formal garden.
There are many different facilities available to both casual visitor and regular user at Streatham Common, including a popular café, children's playground and paddling pool. The common is also used for fairs and events during the summer and autumn.
Wildlife features include the largest areas of both acid grassland and woodland in Lambeth. The common is a popular place for walking, jogging and sports as well as being an important stop on the Capital Ring, a long-distance circular walking route that goes around Greater London.
Address: Streatham High Road, SW16
Rail: Streatham (Southern Trains), 0.2 miles (0.4km) - regular trains from Victoria, Clapham Junction and Croydon
Bus: 50, 59, 60, 109, 118, 159, 250, 333, 249 and 417 (to or from Brixton, Balham, Clapham, Croydon, Elephant and Castle, Mitcham, Thornton Heath, Waterloo and Westminster).
See a location map for Streatham Common
Facilities
New developments
A new public footpath has been created along Streatham Common North to improve safety, particularly for school children walking to and from the bus stop on this busy road. The is part of a series of ongoing improvements being led by Lambeth Transport and Highways, to improve public safety and pedestrian access to open spaces like the Common.
Tree management works have been completed on Streatham Common, in particular the upper part of the site next to The Rookery. This has improved public safety by opening up sightlines and removing hazardous trees, and restoring views across the common which were in danger of being lost to scrub and woodland succession.
History of Streatham Common
Streatham Common has a rich history stretching back as far as the Norman Conquest and Domesday Book, and boasts spectacular views across South London and to the North Downs of Surrey. It was originally owned by the Crown and then by the Church Commissioners and has been used and recognised as a common for centuries.
In 1883 it was taken over by the Metropolitan Board of Works and an Act of Parliament ensured its protection as a metropolitan common for public use and enjoyment. Most of the lower part of Streatham Common was used as allotments during the Second World War and temporary housing was placed around the perimeter.
Friends of Streatham Common
The Friends of Streatham Common represent people who use both Streatham Common and Rookery. They assist with their management and development for present and future generations. The Friends organise regular meetings as well as events on the Common and Rookery, including the popular Streatham Kite Festival and Dog Show.
To find out more or join, please go to the Friends of Streatham Common website.
Help us look after Streatham Common and The Rookery
Our Parks and Green Spaces team manages both Streatham Common and the Rookery, which are patrolled by the Lambeth Park Rangers. Both sites come under the area patrolled by the Streatham South Safer Neighbourhoods Team of the Lambeth Borough Police, who work in close partnership with Lambeth Council, Park Rangers and the Friends of Streatham Common to ensure that a safe and welcoming environment exists at Streatham Common and The Rookery.
Responsible dog walkers are welcome but there are some parts of both sites that are dog free - including the Rookery, paddling pool, children's playground and tennis court. This is for the comfort and safety of children, carers and players, and helps to protect wildlife. Dogs can be exercised off the lead on most of the Common but please ensure that you dispose of any waste properly.
For more information on Streatham Common and the Rookery and how to help us keep them clean, green and safe, please contact us on 0207 926 9000 or email us at parks@lambeth.gov.uk.
Further information