Watermeads, Wandle
| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1918 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Copyright 1 | F J Townend |
| Picture Reference | Mit_Rivers_Waterways_2-3 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | This stretch of land upstream of Mitcham Bridge was left to revert to its natural wetland state by the National Trust, which had purchased it 5 years before this picture was taken. It was later planted as an osier bed (a fast-growing willow used for basket-weaving) and there were also two plantations of cricket bat willow established between the wars. Since World War 2, however, the Trust’s management have concentrated on developing it as a nature reserve and it has been closed to the public in order to protect its fragile eco-system. |
