Stanmore Common facts for kids
Stanmore Common is a large public park in Stanmore, a part of Harrow in England. It covers about 49 hectares, which is like 120 football fields! This special place is known as a Local Nature Reserve and is very important for nature in London. Harrow Council owns the land, and they work with a local group to look after it.
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History of Stanmore Common
Stanmore Common has a long and interesting past. People have lived here for thousands of years!
Ancient Times
Archaeologists have found ancient burial mounds called tumuli on the common. These mounds were built during the Bronze Age, which was a very long time ago.
From Monks to Common Land
Around 793 AD, the King of Mercia gave land at Stanmore to St Albans Abbey. Monks from the Abbey looked after it for many years. After the Norman Conquest, the land changed hands. Later, in 1813, a law called an Enclosure Act meant that some of the land became private property. But luckily, about 120 acres of Stanmore Common stayed as common land. This means it's land that everyone can use and enjoy.
Nature and Wildlife at Stanmore Common
Stanmore Common is a mix of woodland and open heathland. It's a fantastic place to see different plants and animals.
Plants and Trees
Most of the trees you see today grew back after older forests were cleared for animals to graze. However, there's a special area called The Grove that still has very old trees. The common is home to some rare plants. You can even find heath spotted-orchids here, which are very unusual to see in London!
Animals and Insects
Many different animals live on the common. You might spot birds like the spotted flycatcher and the bullfinch. These birds are becoming rarer in some places. There are also interesting insects, and small mammals like muntjac deer, woodmice, and voles. It's a busy place for wildlife!
How to Visit Stanmore Common
It's easy to visit Stanmore Common. There's a car park on Warren Lane. You can also walk into the common from the road called The Common. It's a great spot for a walk or to explore nature.
