that the site is a hotspot in London for hedgehogs, Greenspace Information for Greater London records show that stag beetles have been recorded on the common, as well as Hobbies, Kestrels and Kingfishers. Several invasive species have been found on the common, Oak Processionary moth was first recorded in 2011 and the WPCC try to control its numbers with regular surveys, caterpillar removal, and application of the biocontrol agent Bacillus thuringiensis; Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam have also been recorded and removed. The common has regularly won the London in Bloom gold award in the Common of the Year category, for management to improve the local environment. Sports grounds Putney Cricket Club have a cricket pitch on the south side of the common, between Queens ride and Lower common South. There is an established walking trail that takes the common and Barnes common, with a distance of 3.4km. The Putney Town Bowling Club have a bowling green and clubhouse on the west side of the common, next to the Oasis Academy. In popular culture Jilly Cooper's book, The Common Years (1984), is a diary about Cooper's life living near the Common. Transport There are parking spaces on Mill Hill road by the cemetery, the Common is served by Transport for London buses 22, 265 and 284 which stop at Commondale on the Lower Richmond road, Barnes railway station (Southwestern Railway) is a 10 minute walk. External links Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators website Reference list Parks and open spaces in the London Borough of Wandsworth Putney Sites of Special Scientific Interest in London Special Areas of Conservation in England Common land in London