London:Naturally visit Wimbledon & Cannizaro Park April 2021

London Naturally are back!

Provided the situation relating to the pandemic allows, we are pleased to be able to re-start our London Naturally walks. For our first trip, we are proposing a visit to Cannizaro Park, taking in Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Common (Rushmere Pond) on the way:  again if the pandemic allows, we will try to find an outdoor location where we might enjoy a tea, coffee or other refreshment at the end of the morning's walk..

The maximum group size will be two groups with six in each group and, as far as possible, we will observe all the appropriate Government Guidelines relating to safe distancing which are in place at the time.  Jennette will be leading the walk, supported by Judy Hicks (a local resident!)

Here's the Plan

Meet in Wimbledon Village by the roundabout at the top of Wimbledon Hill Road and the Ridgeway. Enjoy the High Street, pick up a take-away coffee if you wish, and make our way across the Common skirting Rushmere Pond before getting to Cannizaro Park.

Cannizaro Park is not a large space but there is plenty to see and enjoy. It dates back to the 1832 when it was in private ownership, but today it is a large recreation space with many interesting areas (including a herb garden, a sunken garden and an italian garden) full of specimen trees and rare plants. There are also a number of sculptures including that of Diana and the Faun, which are worth seeing and photographing.

After our tour of the Park, those who wish can stop off at the Crooked Billet (large outdoor space) - if it is open and not too crowded - for a drink or a coffee! Afterwards, those who wish can make our way back to the Station via the Village.

If any of you would like a longer walk into the afternoon, Judy is happy to continue with a trip past the Buddhist Temple (currently closed but the grounds may be open at the end of April), Wimbledon Park, the Tennis Courts and up to St. Mary's Church (seen on all the Wimbledon Tennis TV transmissions each summer) and where you can visit Bazalgette's tomb (very pertinent now because of the current works on the London's super sewer).  No need to decide until the day.

It will be wonderful to catch up after such a long time and we look forward to seeing some of you on this day.

How to get there:

Access to Wimbledon Village meeting point.

• By public transport via Mainline, District Line or Croydon Tramlink to Wimbledon Station and then a walk (up the hill) or bus (from opposite the station).
• Rail or District Line to Putney plus the 93 bus is also possible.
• Buses to Wimbledon Town Centre/Station from many other directions!
• Parking is available in various residential roads off the Common (about £1.20 per hour).

Toilet facilities are available at various points on the route - we will check these out nearer the time and advise, when we know what is available.  (Wimbledon Mainline Station is a sure bet!)

Maximum of ten participants plus two guides.

Pre-registration is essential.

We will be operating a waiting list.

Any questions, please e-mail the organiser/s:  Jennette (londontreasurer@rps.org) or Judy (londonro2@rps.org)

Free of Charge

Image (c) David HIicks