Plumstead Common is a surprisingly wild green space in the urban, densely populated, Borough of Greenwich, south east London.
Within the Common is The Slade – an ancient valley that was formed at the end of the last Ice Age when the melting glaciers formed rushing rivers. Now, the ravine is dry and “lined with scrub heathland vegetation, sloping down steeply from the level of Plumstead Common to the flood plain of the Thames”.
The Slade, PlumsteadIt’s a 10 minute amble (approximately 0.25 miles) from Warwick Terrace on Plumstead Common down into The Slade and then up and out onto Winn Common.
The Slade ravine, PlumsteadThe Slade Ponds lie at the bottom of the valley.
Slade Pond, managed by the Plumstead Common Environment Group, is considered to be a “quality green space” – it has been re-awarded the Green Pennant award for 2012-2013.
The Slade Ponds, Plumstead Common, Greenwich
Sycamore, ash, false acacia and English oak trees all grow at The Slade
Berries growing in The Slade, Plumstead
View of The Slade, Plumstead, WoolwichThe steps out of The Slade deliver intrepid explorers to Lakedale Road and onto Winn Common, another green space.
Winn Common, Plumstead, Greenwich
Nearby Winn Common is another ancient space – it’s been a settlement since the Bronze Age
Bronze Age mound – Winn Common Tumulus
Back to the urban: The view of the streets from Purrett Road, Winn Common, Plumstead, in Woolwich, GreenwichLinks to groups and individuals associated with Plumstead Common and Woolwich
Plumstead Common Environment Group
Plumstead Common on Twitter
Stewart Christie, Plumstead Common
The Only Way Is Woolwich
Woolwich Coffee Lounge
Slade Valley, Plumstead Common, Plumstead, c. 1910
London Gardens: Plumstead Common, including Winns Common and The Slade
See also:
Tewin Bury Farm’s long history
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