Keston Common
In this article, we are going to explore Keston Common and its impact on today's society. Keston Common is a topic that has generated great interest in recent times, since its influence extends to different areas of daily life. Since its appearance, Keston Common has sparked debate and reflection in various sectors, which has led to an in-depth analysis of its implications. In this sense, it is interesting to know more about Keston Common and how it has evolved over time, as well as its relevance in the current context. Therefore, in the next few lines, we will delve into the multiple facets of Keston Common and its role in contemporary society.
51°21′30″N 0°02′05″E / 51.3584°N 0.0348°E
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 One of the lakes that form Keston Ponds | |
| Location | Greater London |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | TQ417643 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 24.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Keston Common is a 55 hectare area of public open space in Keston in the London Borough of Bromley. Most of it is heathland and dry acid grassland on the Blackheath Pebble Beds. Almost all the common together with a small part of the neighbouring Hayes Common is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest.
History
The land was formerly part of the estate of Holwood House, and in the early nineteenth century three ponds were constructed to provide water to the house. It is only two miles from Charles Darwin's home, Down House, and he often visited to study the plants and animals there. It helped to provide the materials for his works on earthworms and carnivorous plants. 'Darwin's Landscape Laboratory', which included Keston Common, was the British Government's 2009 nominee for a World Heritage Site, but the application was unsuccessful. In 1926 the then owner of the common, Lord Stanley, donated it to the parish.
Other information
The common is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and an Area of Archaeological Significance with earthworks which are a listed structure. Two of the ponds are now used for fishing. The Friends of Keston Common work to conserve and protect it. 21.5 hectares is registered Common Land.
Access
There is access from Westerham Road, Heathfield Road and Fishponds Road.
See also
- List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Greater London
- Parks and open spaces in the London Borough of Bromley
References
- ^ a b "Natural England, Keston and Hayes Common SSSI citation" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
- ^ a b c d e London Gardens Online, Keston Common
- ^ "Map of Keston and Hayes Commons SSSI". Natural England.
- ^ Darwins's Landscape Laboratory, Keston
- ^ Friends of Keston Common
- ^ "River Ravensbourne, Ravensbourne Valley Woodlands, Keston and Hayes Commons". Greenspace Information for Greater London. Archived from the original on 2013-07-17.
- ^ Common Land in England, Keston Common
