Ecological / Environmental issues
In August 2005 London Conservation Services Ltd (LCS) produced a management plan for Tooting Common Woodlands. LCS is the trading company of the London Wildlife Trust (LWT), which is the only charity working through the whole of Greater London to help London's wildlife. For anyone with time on their hands this is a fascinating document outlining in great depth the history and of the area and the variety of fauna and flora. Although the lesser spotted woodpecker and sparrowhawk are cited, nowhere does it mention the lesser spotted five-a-side football complex.
It does mention Lucanus cervus (stag beetles), which Mark mentions in his comment below - this is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
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Here's what you've said:
Tooting Common should be granted Site of Special Scientific Interest status. The stag beetle is an endangered species and I have seen two in the last eighteen months whilst on the Common. Their habitat is under threat across Europe and - believe it or not - the South East of England is one of the few robust populations left. How can Wandsworth even contemplate this act of environmental vandalism? Any floodlighting in the winter is a further disturbance to wildlife, as well as adding to light pollution in the area and depriving local children of one of the few places they can see the stars.
Mark Speed