Friends of Mitcham Common

Bidder Memorial Revitalisation Project

Survey Comments Summary

Total Responses Received: 43

Comments/suggestions on path surface (bark chippings)

• Prefer another surface because of concerns about accessibility. Need to consider consistency with other parts of Mitcham Common. Solution needs to avoid urbanising. Advice available on options via contractors
• Will weeds grow through it?
• Back chippings acceptable as cheaper than stone chippings etc which would have been preferable.
• Possibly a fine gravel surface which might be more wheelchair friendly, neater and more durable in winter. However it may not blend with the surroundings as sympathetically as wood chip or a simple earth path.
• Path base and surface need to be in keeping with “sustainable Merton”
• Wood chippings are difficult for wheelchair users, would prefer a hard surface.
• I have used bark chippings in my allotment for a path and vegitation grow through it so it would have to be topped up and maintained perhaps there is another alternative and plus it will get walked everywhere and couod become waterlogged
• Excellent plan!
• Bark chippings need replacing every year. It would be preferable to have a more durable surface from the outset.
• This might be the best option, but I would still have concerns over accessibility
• How long would bark chippings last? One season maybe before wearing down and disintegrating

  What about an eco friendly self-binding gravel topping, which would gradually darken and blend in with the memorial. The finish would be more practical for pedestrians.

• access for disabled would be hampered in damp conditions
• Although a good, natural choice of surface it might prove inaccessible for some users of Mitcham Common. It is a great idea to renovate a memorial so locally important and treasured.
• Morden Park was paved for walking. It has a look that fades into the surrounding and provides access all year round. I don’t know what it is but bark chips will be a temporary solution and as pointed out not suitable for wheelchair users.
  If it is possible to look into alternatives, that would be great.
• Why do they need a path to see it ?
• Concerns about the ecological impact of bark chippings on the surrounding area.
• I think bark is a great choice as it supports the natural look and soil health of that part of the common when it breaks down and it’s a sustainable resource. With regard to mobility aids and access, perhaps having a sign up on the main path with photos of the memorial details and a short written history would suffice?
• A solid surface is preferable for a variety of reasons not least drainage and accessibility.
• Wood chips and wooden tracks for wheelchair
• bark cjippings sound good
• Hogging is a surface best for
  Stability durability

Other benefits specified

No comments submitted for this section.

General comments on potential benefits

• Increase awareness
• Good to arrest further deterioration
• The memorial is a bit lost in its current state.
• It is a pity that the memorial was sited where it is. Does anyone know why it is where it is? However, moving it is not really an option. Better access makes it more visitable for the public. New description board would make it much more meaningful and educational.
• Overall a good plan. I don’t think the site wants to stand out too much from the surrounding common or become a shrine!
• Improve possibility that the perception of Mitcham Common as just another park is dispelled.
• The heavy traffic on the Croydon Road will make a large number of people aware of the local history.
• In an age when the Sadiq Khan has his eye on the building over of green spaces it is most important to stress Bidder’s legacy in preserving the Common.
• Improved aesthetics maybe but I feel, even with revitalisatiom works carried out, will not draw the anticipated increase in visitor numbers due to the memorial being situated in an inappropriate area.
• Great idea
• It would highlight the contributions George Parker Bidder, raise local awareness and provide historical background for teaching visitors about the area.
• important to root Mitcham Common within its history and highlight its ecology – part of he narrative of its place.
• The upkeep of all historical sites are important as you can’t get to them back.
• all of the above in the attempt to haon community rmgagement
• Sympathetic in formal
  Improve ments
  Include bench between memorial
  and ditch / road this would encourage visitors a rest + view

Concerns about the proposed project

• Risk of urbanisation – clutter, surfaces, signage
• Costs may be an issue but hopefully this will be overcome with appropriate support.
• Cost, who will pay?
• Clearly cost is a concern. A bit of funding raising might help (as previously offered and discussed). Happy to involve Bidder descendents and provide historical information about Bidder family.
• See above. If people want to know more about Bidder and the common I think they will google him. The common is a natural place. I’m not sure it would be enhanced by too many information boards, one would be enough in my opinion.
• At present, the grass covering the uneven ground is cut just once a year. Even with the new path, the access to that path will be across uncut grass.
• No worries.
• Possible maintance if Wood chippings were used but I guess that has been discussed already I don’t feel it will have any impact on on wildlife at all.
• Worth spending money on.
• Possible more vandalism if it’s made more prominent.
• I assume this project would not be proposed unless the money is there to implement it. Maintenance should be minimal as it is done by two rangers and a few volunteers.
• Ongoing maintenance
• Whilst I support the revitalisation of the Bidder memorial in principal, I do have concerns about the construction of a bund over the ditch from Croydon Road. This is in effect creating a new entrance to MC which could be used by motorcycles. At present, the ditch is a welcome deterrent which I feel should not be compromised.

  Could the memorial not be moved to a more central area on MC, where it would be viewed easily and appreciated by visitors and regular users. It would be interesting to obtain costs involved

  The current position of the memorial does not give it justice.

  Another point of concern being the memorial is in quite an isolated position and subdued in appearance. If the revitalisation project went ahead, with the memorial in situ, it could be a target for vandalism, as is often the case nowadays.

• cost
• No
• No concerns
• It seems that these are being taken care of in the proposal.
• No
• No
• No, because I believe it will be done with sympathy to the area.
• No
• the monument is currently in an almost secluded spot – ot mihht be worth moving this to a more central position for neyter access if yhis is possible
• Yes the common is a wild place
  NOT a formal park format

Further comments or suggestions

• Stonewest would be good contractors to work with – previously involved in MCGC&H’s Local Landmarks and Mitcham War Memorial works

  Project would be good proposal for National Lottery Heritage Fund funding if Civic Pride route doesn’t work.

• N/A
• It is a good idea.
• Fully supportive of this project which goes a long way to explaining how Mitcham got to keep such a wonderful open space.
• The danger that motorcycles are used to destroy the new path.
• I would appreciate some planting, wild flowers or shrubs to make the height of the memorial stand our.
• Thank you for your efforts in the general upkeep of Mitcham Common.
• I think this is an excellent project. The Bidder Memorial, while on the edges of the Common, could provide an excellent focal point for community engagement. Only yesterday, I volunteered with my children’s school on a educational trip around the Common that ended up at the Bidder Memorial. Having better quality access and information boards would have brought that part of the trip to life even more.
• Good idea, good luck!
• If there are other objects of historical significance that could be restored, this would be a good opportunity to do so. Feeding troughs and other objects form part of the history of the area.
• The friends do a fantastic job
• no
• Sipathetic activity contract

  Level path over filled ditch
  NO bridge