Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The western part of Ham Common consists of close-mown acid grassland, with an attractive pond. The wooded, eastern section of the common is included in the Richmond Park Site of Metropolitan Importance. The pond is fringed with a few weeping willows (Salix x sepulcralis). There is a diverse marginal vegetation, particularly on the northern edge. This includes round-fruited rush (Juncus compressus), which is rare in London. The rush is naturally-occurring here, while many of the more colourful species, such as marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) have been planted. White water-lilies (Nymphaea alba) float on the water's surface, while curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) grows beneath the surface. The extensive grasslands surrounding the pond, seem at first glance to be too closely-mown to be of any ecological interest. However the abundance of sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) throughout the sward indicates that this is acid grassland. Part of the grasslands are used for cricket and the common is popular for informal recreation.