I have just added this to the map of places to fly your drone at Drone Scene:
Land owner permission requirements unknown.
Wimbledon Common, located in Wimbledon, South West London, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally part of the Manor of Wimbledon, it was used for various purposes over the years, including grazing land, agriculture, and hunting grounds for the local nobility.
In the 19th century, Wimbledon Common became a popular leisure destination, attracting visitors for picnics, walks, and horse riding. It was during this time that efforts were made to preserve the common from encroaching development.
Today, Wimbledon Common remains a beloved green space, offering recreational activities such as walking, running, cycling, and birdwatching. It is also home to various wildlife and plant species, contributing to its importance as a natural habitat within an urban environment.
It is a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” and it does get very busy during the summer. So care should ve taken not to disurb the natural wildlife and avoiding flight over groups of people. You should also avoid the helicopter routes
There is free parking on the roads around the common but you may have to drive around a while to find a space, especially at weekends.
The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 18/02/2024. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location.
Sorry to be a killjoy but It’s worth noting that the Wimbledon & Putney Commons Conservators (who own and maintain the common) have a byelaw (No.46) restricting TOAL and even operation of RC models on their land with level 1 fine (currently £200).
More info can be found on their byelaws page: https://www.wpcc.org.uk/governance/byelaws
Wow yeah that was a couple of years ago and definitely not my best piece. From memory I took off from the road running alongside the common. I didnt realise this one was still in the domain.
That is true for Merton council, yes. But that feels like a technicality more than how they would probably enforce it.
Wimbledon Common has its own bylaws that explicitly prohibit drones, which is further emphasised on their website. I imagine this is for flying in the park, not over it (so if you fly 50m above it or more, I imagine you’re fine)
All byelaws are based on technicalities, that’s why we’re able to use them to our advantage
You also need to consider the odds of:
A member of Merton Council staff being on Wimbledon Common at the same time as you
That the same member of staff knowing a byelaw for petrol-driven model aircraft even exists
Them being able to twist and interpret that to apply to your battery powered toys
And if that same member of staff even cares
– They’ll very likely have other priorities in their life
What I’m trying to say in a round about sort of way is, try not to let things like this put you off enjoying your hobby.
Worst case scenario with any byelaw, anywhere in the UK, is that it can only ever restrict you from taking off from the park land. You can still very legally fly over it.
Anyway, the odds are pretty low, enjoy your flights
