Exactly one hundred years ago, Walter Johnson, a leading geologist of the time wrote a wonderful book entitled, Wimbledon Common, its geology,antiquities and natural history.
These days his book would be described as a landmark publication for it dealt in great detail with all major aspects of the common from prehistoric and medieval times to natural history with some photos and illustrations. The book is hard to come by and I treasure my rare copy.
To celebrate that work some naturalist colleagues and I decided to bring the picture up to date and write a book entitled, Wimbledon Common 100 years of change.
In a comprehensive overview, we explore all the changes that have taken place within the past century with chapters on flora and fauna including birds, animals, fish, insects plants and trees while another section deals with present day management.
There have of course been many changes with some species such as the iconic skylark (pictured)sadly no longer present but replaced by newcomers,not all of which are welcome, such as the parakeet.
Illustrated in colour and black and white,our book can be purchased, price £5.99 from selected Wimbledon bookshops or from Manor Cottage next to the windmill on the common.
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