Originally ‘Merton Field’, belonging to Hobalds Farm and the Garth family of Morden, this was purchased by the Council in 1931 to honour the former Mayor and MP for Wimbledon
It may seem like an ordinary recreation ground, but it has some excellent scrub and old pollarded Black Poplars around the edges. Situated between two Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, many birds have been seen around the periphery over the years, including Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Nightingale, Common Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat. Sparrowhawk and Kestrel are often seen emerging from the woodland either side. Early mornings can yield dozens of Stock Dove, which will then move on to the horse fields when the dogs start to arrive. Joseph Hood really comes into its own in winter, when it becomes a hotspot for many species of gull.
Sparrowfeld Patch 