The horse fields are one of the most important sites on the patch. Along with Green Lane Primary School playing field, they have been known as ‘Hide Hill’ since the 13th century, and are actually part of the historic Parish of Malden.
Previously used as landfill and playing fields, horses have grazed on the site since the 1970s, although the west field became a flower meadow for a period during the early 1990s. Blackthorn and mixed scrub has developed around the site, which also has a number of old oak trees.
Hide Hill is actually owned by Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery, but is unlikely to be needed for burial purposes for many years. This is good news, as it is popular every year with migrant species, such as Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. Whinchat, Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat have also been seen here in spring. In winter the area tends to attract Chaffinch, Brambling, Linnet, Little Egret, Redwing and gulls.
A variety of species can be seen here throughout the year, including Greenfinch, Stock Dove, House Sparrow, and Dunnock. Stock Dove seem to feed in very large numbers, suggesting the fields are used by birds from elsewhere. It is common to see a Kestrel or Peregrine Falcon hunting, or perched on one of the electricity pylons. The horse fields are often a pre-roost meeting spot for hundreds of Starling, Jackdaw, and Carrion Crow, and many Pied Wagtail gather here in autumn.
Sparrowfeld Patch 