Geograph - photograph every grid square

Mitcham Common was once a much larger area of common pasture. The subsequent survival of the Common was helped by the division between four manors. As the boundaries were unclear, no single lord was emboldened to try to control the whole Common. In the early 19th century, gravel winning began in earnest. It became such a problem with gravel pits being started all over the Common that Mitcham Common was protected under the Metropolitan Commons Act of 1891. With the acquisition of mineral rights from the lords of the manors in 1894, the Conservators of Mitcham Common were able to bring the practice of gravel digging to an end.
Seven Island Pond had been excavated after 1867. The present shape dates from around 1900. In one part it was deepened and marked with boundary posts so that it could be used as a swimming pool; it became very popular. The pond is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of frogs and toads in south-east England.