Southampton Common
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within Greater Southampton
Southampton Common is a large open space to the north of the city centre of Southampton, England. It is bounded by the districts of Shirley, Bassett, Highfield and Portswood. The area supports a large variety of wildlife, including the largest recorded population of the internationally rare great crested newt. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest; a government designation for the country's premier natural sites.
Southampton Common currently includes 326 acres of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a paddling pool, a children's play area, a model yachting pond, and a fishing lake. The Common is used for a wide variety of community events, such as the annual Balloon and Flower Festival and 'Power in the Park'.
The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre at the southern end has been built on the former site of Southampton Zoo and the comprehensive displays document the natural history of the area; with interactive resources, educational facilities and information about local wildlife and environmental management. To the west, bordering on Hill Lane, is an historic cemetery that also includes many rare flora and fauna. Cemetery Pond is popular for birds.
The south east of the Common includes an open air paddling pool that has recently been refurbished and a play area for children. This is located near to a car parking zone and the Cowherds Public House, a local landmark which has a history going back to the 17th century.
[edit] History
The history of Southampton Common can be traced back to a dispute over land rights in the 13th century, which was resolved by the Borough purchasing the land and declaring it common land. It became a public park in 1844.
The designation as Common Land allowed neighbours to use the land for fuel, clay, and taking berries and other wild, natural food. The most important use was for grazing, however, and there was a cowherd who was paid to be responsible for the cattle on the common. He was given accommodation in an inn on the site of today's Cowherds pub.
