Despite its name, Cannon Hilll Common was never common land but was always part of someone's estate. The park dates from 1927 when the developer George Blay sold 21 hectares of land to the Council for an urban park. It is a site of Borough importance - Grade ! for Nature Conservation. It boast mature woodland which is over 140 years old and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.There is a fenced Nature Reserve in the centre of the common which is closed to protect wildlife habitats, apart from Open Afternoons usually held twice a year which are organised by the Friends of Cannon Hill Common. There is a Fruit Hedge which was planted by the Friends of Cannon Hill Common with plants supplied by the Tree Council.and which is managed with the help of the Merton Tree Wardens. There are two wildflower meadows which are only mown after the flowers have set seed.